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It's all in the detail
Set the theme of your big day with your wedding stationery
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Get budget-savvy
How to get the reception look you want... for less
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One step ahead
New season styles straight off the catwalk
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Blushing bride
The County Wedding Magazines team tries out a range of blushers
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Country cool
Heritage-style attire for fashion-forward grooms
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Love your home
Heartfelt inspiration and furnishings
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Hidden beauty
Undecided about wearing a veil? Our guide will give you plenty of ideas
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Religious ceremonies and traditions
We take a look at eight different types of weddings from an array of cultures
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Home brew
How to choose wine from one of the many vineyards across England and Wales
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Get your groove on
How to choose the all-important first dance song
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In first place
Tie the knot in a sporting venue
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 24th February 2012 |
| Hot topic: colour coordination |
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| Image provided by www.expression-photography.co.uk |
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Mostly monochrome
Q - We have decided on a 1930s theme for our wedding but we are in two minds about what style of photographs to have in our album. I like the idea of keeping everything consistent with a vintage theme and having black and white images but I'm worried that if I don't have any colour shots I may regret it in years to come. Can you help?
A - Gavin Woollard says: As weddings tend to be very colourful occasions, a mixture of both black and white and colour shots work well the majority of the time. In fact, over the last 23 years I have only produced two albums which were completely black and white.
There has been a swing back to more colour over the last few years with vintage and retro-styled weddings and a good mixture of colour and sepia images will give you a timeless record of your special day. Any good professional photographer will be glad to advise which works best with particular images. |
| Relaxing retreat |
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Assistant features editor, Lauren Dowey, discovers the ultimate in indulgent pampering
Planning the wedding of your dreams can take its toll, which is why every bride-to-be deserves a little R&R in the run up to the big day. Having opened in December 2010, Lifehouse Country Spa Resort in Thorpe-le-Soken has recently celebrated its first birthday, and what a year it has been. Busier than ever, people from all over the county are making the trip to chill out and de-stress in the contemporary and luxurious spa.
After a warm welcome at the reception, my guest and I settled into our room, complete with fluffy robe and slippers, before testing out a few of the treatments on offer. I tried out the Baborganic Face and Body experience which was 90 minutes of absolute relaxation; a rigorous full body massage followed by a deep-cleansing facial - it's enough to make even the most stressed-out bride relax. This was followed by a Jessica Deluxe Manicure which worked wonders on my less-than-cared-for nails.
Lifehouse is not just for brides-to-be though, there is a vast range of men's treatments available too, as well as a state-of-the-art gym and mountain biking on request. My other half took himself off cycling through the extensive grounds before being treated to a BABOR Ginseng Massage, which he assured me was an hour of total bliss. The Waterlilies restaurant offers eclectic cuisine with a nod to healthy dishes, but taste still tops the agenda. The duck breast and fondant potato was moist and delicious, while breakfast the next morning could not be faulted.
For more information call 01255 860 050 or visit the website www.lifehouse.co.uk |
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| Wedded bliss |
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Well, it's official - I'm a newlywed! And I am happy to report our big day was worth the hours and hours (and hours!) of blood, sweat and tears that went into making it a celebration to remember.
The day before the wedding didn't go quite as smoothly however; one of my six bridesmaids went into labour, our car broke down and the weather took a dramatic turn for the worse. However, as I awoke to rather ominous skies on the morning of our nuptials I felt a surreal sense of calm and the realisation that it was all going to be OK - as long as Gary and I made it to aisle to say 'I do', everything else would fall into place. And it did - it went to plan from start to finish and it exceeded all my, very high, expectations. Yes, there was a spot of rain here and there, but it did nothing to dampen our spirits and my new husband and I were beaming from start to finish.
I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has written in with helpful hints and tips over the past few months, you definitely gave me the insight to step back during the day and take it all in - it's a once in a lifetime experience after all. And the best part of the day? Marrying the man of my dreams. As cliched as that might sound it really was what made the whole celebration so special. Be sure to check out the next issue of An Essex Wedding where you can get a peak into our big day.
Enjoy!
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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 |
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| Win a photography package worth £850 |
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If you're after cutting-edge photography for your big day, this is one competition you can't afford to miss.
The Edge Photography, based in Chelmsford, is one of the leading wedding photographers in the county and has a modern and fun approach. Scott Johnson, owner of the company, tells us, "I set up The Edge Photography back in 2006 and we made it our goal to capture relaxed portraits, amazing details and natural moments at all the weddings we attend. We don't believe in staging everything and take great pride in our style and the presentation of our collections. Our aim is to capture timeless images couples will treasure forever." Scott has recently been awarded the Licentiate of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (LSWPP), which is the professional recognition he had been working towards for almost a year.
Choosing your photographer is one of the most important aspects of planning your nuptials as the images will be an ever-lasting memory of your big day. For more information about The Edge Photography call 0845 468 0159 or visit www.theedgephotography.co.uk
Essex Wedding has teamed up with The Edge Photography to offer readers the chance to win a fantastic wedding photography package. The prize includes:
- Pre-wedding consultation
- Coverage from the bride getting ready to the start of the wedding breakfast
- A full CD of high resolution images
- A 12x8ins album of 80 prints
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| Enter here |
| Band of love |
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| Image provided by www.furrer-jacot.com |
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Once the dress is packed away and the first dance is a distant memory, the wedding jewellery acts as a constant reminder of the joyous union between husband and wife
With a myriad of beautiful options available, choosing your jewellery can be a daunting task. From the engagement ring to the wedding bands, there is a lot to think about; platinum or gold, brilliant or princess cut, plain or diamond band? The choices are endless, so where do you start?
Martin Oliva of Martin Oliva Jewellery says
"Remember, you are buying your jewellery for life. I would recommend platinum because it's the hardest, most durable metal and slightly heavier than gold. And with gold at such a premium at present, platinum is only slightly more expensive - but so much better."
"Your engagement ring and wedding band should be made from the same metal, as two different metals will rub together, causing wear and tear to the weaker ring. Platinum, for example, should never be worn with gold as it is much harder and will rub the gold away."
"It's important to get your rings cleaned regularly. While diamonds are sparkling and full of life, they also attract grease and dirt. When people buy their wedding jewellery
from us we offer a professional cleaning service at no extra cost. We encourage them to come to us to clean their rings as often as they like - it takes just a few seconds, but the result is outstanding and gives the diamond light and brilliance."
To read on see page 59 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... |
| Get budget-savvy |
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| Image provided by www.claire-evans.com |
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Experts explain how you can achieve the reception style you want... for less
John Hearn of Tapenade says... ( www.tapenade.co.uk)
Your menu
"Get creative with canapes and offer them instead of either a starter or dessert. This is a particularly good option for summer weddings when guests want to enjoy something lighter."
Your catering
"Consider the time of year you are getting married and how this will relate to your menu. For example, asking for winter vegetables in the summer could impact quite a bit on cost. Also enquire about locally sourced produce to help keep costs down."
To read on see page 49 of the current issue. |
| Game on |
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| Image provided by www.seweddingphotography.co.uk |
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Channels Golf Club, Chelmsford
Channels Golf Club is home to a beautifully restored 17th century thatched barn. An idyllic venue for your big day, the Essex Barn is licensed for ceremonies and can accommodate up to 130 guests for a sit-down meal. As well as offering stunning golf course views, Channels also boasts a 20ft fountain, which makes a fantastic backdrop for wedding snaps. The team at Channels is able to cater for any size of event with the Trophy Room, which has a maximum capacity of 20 people, also licensed - perfect for more intimate celebrations.
If you're lucky enough to choose a warm day on which to celebrate your nuptials, why not enjoy a drinks reception out on the patio? The nearby tree-lined avenue provides both welcome shade on hot days and many interesting options for your photographer.
For more information call 01245 440 005 or visit www.channelsweddings.co.uk
We love...the on-site four-star gold award 14-bedroom lodge. This converted 15th century Tudor house is the ideal place for all your guests to spend the night.
For more sporting venues in the area turn to page 23 of the current issue. |
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