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| OUT NOW |
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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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Steal their style
Our real wedding brides always have fantastic style, we pick three of our favourites
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The ultimate etiquette survival guide
What to do, and when to do it
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Colchester and Tendring
We take a look at some of the most picturesque venues in the area
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Back to black
Formal attire for fashionable grooms
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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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 |
| Body beautiful |
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The one thing all brides-to-be have in common is that they want to look and feel their best as they walk down the aisle, and getting into shape for the big day is on the top of many a to-do list. Louise Prance gives you the low-down on how to achieve the best results
Getting started
- If you're determined to shed the pounds start a food and exercise diary. Chart your progress against this to see where you go off track.
- Don't over do it. Your fiance wants to see you walking down the aisle, not a scary unrecognisable version.
- Rather than crash diet, change your lifestyle for the long-term. Kiss goodbye to those burger binges for good and feel healthier, fitter and stronger long after the celebrations are over.
- Get your friends involved. It's much more fun going on a run with a pal. Have a leisurely walk and chat while you warm up then get down to the nitty gritty. It will give you extra motivation and may bring out your competitive side, encouraging you to work harder!
- Stick at it. It's normal to fall off the wagon every now and then, just as long as you pick yourself up and get back on track, all will be well. Keep a vision of the new improved you in mind as you go along, it will help you resist the unhealthy urges.
To read on see page 37 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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| Festive fun |
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While some brides-to-be will be in the last minute planning stage before their big day, some of you may not be saying 'I do' for a fair few months. And if you're not due to tie the knot for a while and are worried about piling on the pounds after a little too much festive indulgence, fear not - help is at hand. On page 37 we speak to some health and fitness experts about getting in shape for your big day.
As ever we love to hear from newly engaged couples, and with this time of year being a hot bed for guys popping the question, we expect to get inundated with romantic proposal stories. If you're just about to embark on the planning process, you're in luck, our Future Forecasts feature on page 63 looks at the hot trends for 2012, spanning all areas of weddings, from fashion to cakes and entertainment to grooms - we've got it covered!
Happy reading!
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| Louise Prance, Editor |
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| Make sure you 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 |
| Colchester and Tendering venues |
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We take a look at some of the area's top spots in which to tie the knot
Westwood Park Westwood Park is a stunning Grade II* listed manor house dating back to the Tudor period. The red brick exterior of the house and stained glass and leaded windows provide a striking setting in which to hold your nuptials.
The venue's gardens comprise an Italianate sunken lake, herbaceous borders, and rose gardens - ideal backdrops for picturesque photographs. Majestic trees dominate the landscape with towering Redwoods along the driveway and a magnificent Cedar of Lebanon tree dating back to 1638 on the West Lawn.
Inside, there are three rooms to choose from for both civil ceremonies and partnerships, each with its own distinct features. For larger celebrations there is an ivory-lined marquee available for use in the summer months. The venue is exclusively yours for the day and, as it only holds one wedding per week, the team are able to focus solely on your event.
For more information about holding your wedding at Westwood Park, visit www.westwoodparkweddings.co.uk |
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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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| Grand opening |
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The Bespoke Wardrobe bridal boutique has moved out of its former home in Danbury into new premises in Ingatestone. Co-owners Mary Warne and Regine Binder decided a move was a must after the business garnered such success the shop was getting too small for their needs. "We had quickly outgrown our Danbury location and had been looking to move for a while. However, we could never have imagined that we would find somewhere in a location like Ingatestone," Mary told us.
The new boutique means The Bespoke Wardrobe has doubled in size, which has significantly increased the number of designers stocked. "The new boutique has a very vintage feel, with original wooden flooring and it showcases both contemporary and classic gowns beautifully," explains Mary. Naomi Neoh, Clare Mischevani, Twobirds and Stuart Parvin are just some of the collections available. The Bespoke Wardrobe is now located at 96 High Street, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 0BA. Visit the website www.thebespokewardrobe.co.uk |
| Hot topic: Family matters |
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Snap happy
Q- My father is upset because my fiance and I don't want his girlfriend to be in the formal family photographs. How can I explain to him that it's just for direct family members without upsetting him?
A- Scott says: This is always a tough question to approach and I'm often asked this by couples in the lead up to their weddings. As tricky as the subject is, your dad must accept your wishes - after all, it's your day. However, I would suggest to him that once the formal shots are completed, you'll be more than happy to pose for a snap with him and his girlfriend in a more informal manner. Your photographer would then take photos of the four of you away from any unwanted attention. |
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