 |
| OUT NOW |
 |
|
 |
| |
Fairytale settings
Breathtaking venues to make your dreams come true
|
Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
|
Wedding of the year
Find out who won the last round and meet this issue's contenders
|
Engagement shoots
We look at the appeal of pre-wedding photography
|
Bridal fashion
Glamorous gowns with decadent vintage details
|
Thank you gifts
What to give your nearest and dearest
|
Keeping calm on your big day
Tips on how to keep your inner bridezilla at bay
|
Flowergirl fashion
Pretty dresses the little ones will love
|
| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
| |
| Next Issue Out |
| 25th November 2011 |
| Be inspired... Gothic romance |
| |
 |
| |
Thrill your guests with an atmospheric celebration full of gothic touches
The course of true love never did run smooth, and it's the passion and whistful emotion of romance that is captured in the gothic mood. Far from frightening, the term evokes images of intricate medieval architecture, though in literature it is likely to put us in mind of tragically beautiful tales such as Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, full of desperately earnest affairs of the heart and elements of fantasy.
If you want to add a touch of gothic romance to your wedding the easiest way to establish the tone is to select a suitably grand venue, ideally a stately home or a castle where you can play the heroine of your very own love story. An enchanting mode of transport, such as a horse and carriage, would be a fairytale way to make an entrance to the reception. Be sure to take advantage of any opportunity to light a roaring log fire and adorn the space with an abundance of tealights and candelabra to create an intimate atmosphere.
A dramatic setting requires elaborate decor, so opt for a dark colour scheme of deep red, purple, green and black for a luxurious look. If your nuptials are set to have a more rock'n'roll vibe find inspiration in the films of Tim Burton, such as Sweeney Todd, and add monochrome stripes to the mix for an eccentric finish. Traditional roses or tulips would be a fitting choice of flora, while delicate vintage-style lace tablecloths will enhance the ornate nature of the theme. Tables could be named after your favourite authors, poets or books, and you could even present guests with copies of beloved novels as favours.
When it comes to the cuisine, indulge in the formality of the occasion with a sit-down, banquet-style wedding breakfast. The rich flavours of autumnal fare washed down with champagne or red wine would be a delectable end to the celebrations. |
| Snowflakes on your stationery |
| |
 |
| |
As winter approaches a delightful snowflake-themed reception can add a whimsical touch to your big day. With this in mind, Sew-Unique offers a range of stationery that coordinates with your colour scheme using little snowflakes. And if you're planning your spring or summer nuptials, how about sending dainty rose garden-inspired invitations?
The talent behind Sew-Unique is Samantha Jones, who specialises in handmade wedding stationery, wedding post boxes and invitations, as well as keepsake boxes, guest-signing signature frames and guest books. Also available is a selection of hand-embellished and embroidered stationery designs. Custom-made invitations can also be arranged.
For more details, call 07879 646 955 or visit the website www.sew-unique.co.uk |
|
|
|
| Winter warmers |
|
Although the days may be shorter and the evenings chillier, those of you who are tying the knot this season have much to look forward to - the warmth of a log fire brings a cosy ambience to the celebration, while snow creates a magical backdrop for your photos. This time of year is also the perfect excuse for brides-to-be to get pampered in elegant surroundings such as Cliveden's Pavilion Spa.
For couples awaiting their spring nuptials, this issue is packed ideas; from customising your stationery with embroidery to dressing up the bridesmaids in delicious colours and tuning in to your honeymoon destination with our recommended selection of music.
Enjoy!
 |
| Louise Prance, Editor |
| |
| Make sure you email editor@yourberksbuckswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a photography package worth £1,595 |
| |
 |
| |
Here's your chance to capture beautiful memories of the big day, courtesy of Adrian Alden-Smith
A stress-free wedding makes a world of difference in making fabulous memories, and what could be a better reminder of your big day than your photographs? The key factor is choosing the right photographer who can make you feel at ease, as well as capture the emotions of your wedding beautifully.
With this in mind, we have teamed up with Adrian Alden-Smith to offer a photography package that shows off the best of the bride and groom in a natural and contemporary style. "It's important for the couple and their guests to relax and enjoy themselves on the day, which is why I adopt an easy and unobtrusive approach to my photography," says Adrian.
Based in Bracknell, Adrian is an award-winning photographer with 15 years of experience capturing couples, celebrities and Royalty. He is a member of leading photographic associations, such as the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography), MPA (The Master Photographers Association), SWPP (Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers) and the WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International).
For more information, call 01344 827 058 or visit www.alden-smith.co.uk
Adrian is giving away a photography package worth £1,595, which includes:
- Photography on the day - from the preparations through to the start of the wedding breakfast
- An online gallery of images from the day
- A disc of images
- A coffee-table style album
|
| |
| Enter here |
| Parisian pampering comes to Cliveden |
| |
 |
| |
Parisian haute couture beauty brand Anne Semonin recently launched at Cliveden's Pavilion Spa to offer a range of indulgent products and beauty treatments using a special blend of aromatic essential oils and trace elements designed to suit every skin type.
Recommended treats include the Cliveden Supreme Haute Couture Face and Body therapy, which starts with a sea salt body scrub and botanical hot oil wrap, followed by an indulgent four-hand massage, and then an intensive rehydrating facial.
The Parisian Top-to-Toe therapy involves a back cleanse to exfoliate and smooth the skin, followed by a soothing back, neck and scalp massage to relieve key areas of tension and muscle tightness. This is combined with a made-to-measure facial and finishes off with an extremely relaxing pressure-point foot and leg massage. Also worth trying is the Classic Made-to-Measure Intensive Face, Eyes and Decollete therapy. For more details on Anne Semonin treatments, visit www.annesemonin.com
To book, call The Pavilion Spa on 01628 607 177 or visit www.clivedenhouse.co.uk |
 |
| |
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.yourberksbuckswedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
 |
| |
| Getting married in Berks & Bucks or know someone who is and would like to receive future newsletters? To forward this email to a friend click here |
|
|
|
 |
| |
| 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. |
| |
 |
| |
| Find your local wedding suppliers... |
 |
 |
| Global Sounds |
| |
 |
| |
Music plays a big part in setting the mood for your honeymoon. From hip lounge compilations and romantic classics to Latin rhythms, here's a selection of albums to get you tuned in to your destination
Destination: Paradise Island
Huvafen Fushi Maldives By Ravin Volume 2 (Avril Production)
If you're planning on chilling out at Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives or know someone who's going there, make sure you get a copy of Huvafen Fushi Maldives by Ravin Volume 2. Each track is chosen to transport you to your own private paradise. Gently wake up to Sunshine in your villa. With Viusu, picture yourself underwater gliding past coral reefs, while Buddha conjures up scenes of India's ancient splendour. www.avrilprod.com
Mr & Mrs Smith...in bed with... Volume One
From boutique travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith comes a seductive 16-song compilation of eclectic favourites chosen by art, fashion, media and music luminaries. Over 20 per cent of the profit from every CD sold goes to Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity. Mr & Mrs Smith...in bed with... Volume One is available from www.mrandmrssmith.com/shop
Also try... Rough Guide Latin Street Party and Rough Guide Latin Funk, available from Music Rough Guides. All CDs include travel information from the Rough Guides books. www.worldmusic.net
To read on see page 109 of the current issue. |
| Pretty maids |
| |
 |
| Image provided by Source Images www.sourceimages.co.uk |
| |
Dressing the bridesmaids is fun and exciting, but it can be a challenge too. So how does a bride choose the right outfit for the girls? We find out what the experts have to say
Traditional bridesmaids' dresses are still around, but we're seeing more and more brides opting for more contemporary styles when choosing outfits for the girls. Sources of inspiration include films such as Sex and the City, where Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda arrive at Carrie's wedding wearing evening gowns in varying colours and styles to suit their personalities. The overall look is stunning and sophisticated.
Individuality is the buzz word these days, and as the cost of weddings increase and budgets shrink, the girls want to choose dresses that are more affordable, versatile, and also suited to their shape and personality. Perfect examples are vintage and retro-style dresses, which are popular because they are fun, comfortable and flattering to the figure.
A bride has many factors to consider when deciding on the girls' dresses: skin tone, height, size, shape, personality and also hair colour. And as tricky as it may seem, sticking to a few simple rules and a bit of imagination will make the process a lot easier and more fun for everyone. We asked Ellie Sanderson of Ellie Sanderson Bridal Boutique, Emma and Jenny of The Bridal House and Laura Buckingham of After Dark for their advice.
What the girls really want
Ellie: "Whether it's a strapless, one-shoulder, full-length or tea-length dress, it has to be simple, sassy and easy to wear. Girls are also looking for styles that can be worn again and that's when a tea-length dress would be ideal. Cadbury purple is very popular, while soft moss and vibrant shades such as fuchsia are real favourites."
Emma and Jenny: "Knee-length dresses are proving to be very popular, as are soft, floaty styles made of chiffon. New colours to look out for this season are soft sherbet and ice cream tones."
Laura: "Although purple still seems to be a popular choice, the more natural tones such as cappuccino, mocha and the pale pinks seem to be inspiring brides for 2012."
To read on see page 61 of the current issue. |
 |
|
|
