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Picture perfect
Celebrate your nuptials in one of these stunning settings
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Grand elegance
Glamorous gowns with decadent vintage details
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That's entertainment
Ideas for keeping your family and friends entertained
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Strike a pose
We look at the appeal of pre-wedding photography
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Eat, play, love
Louise Prance discovers the jewel in Mexico's crown, Cancun
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Wedding of the year
Find out who won the last round and meet this issue's contenders
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Thank you gifts
Show your appreciation to your nearest and dearest
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Beauty news
Essentials for the bride-to-be
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 28th October 2011 |
| Strike a pose |
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| Image provided by www.photoimaginarium.co.uk |
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We explore the benefits of engagement shoots and share our top tips for inspirational images
There are plenty of brides- and grooms-to-be who can't wait to get in front of the lens on their big day, but there are just as many couples who experience an attack of nerves at the thought of being photographed. If you and the camera are in the midst of your very own love affair then an engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to have some fun before your nuptials. On the other hand, if getting ready for your close up gives you the jitters, it can also be a good way to learn to relax and get to know the process of wedding photography.
Meeting up with your photographer to discuss which shots you would like for your album really is a must, and if the sound of a shutter does make you shudder the sooner you become acquainted with your snapper the better. In addition to helping to boost your confidence, an engagement shoot gives you another set of fabulous pictures to treasure, and you can even use the images as part of the reception décor. If you're watching the pennies and are concerned about the extra cost, then fear not as many photographers incorporate a pre-wedding session into
their fee.
The great outdoors
If you're not certain that you'll be able to achieve wonderful photos, we have a great suggestion for cheating your way to fabulous images; pick a stunning location and let the scenery do all the work! Head for the hills, a forest or a pretty garden and admire your surroundings while your photographer captures some beautiful shots that you'll be happy to hang on your wall for years to come.
To read on see page 46 of the current issue. |
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| Pretty maids |
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| Image provided by Focal Pix |
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Finding the right dresses for the girls can be a challenge, but with practical advice from the experts, you and your bridesmaids can create a look to remember
Just as a bride chooses her bridesmaids with sensitivity, she will put the same care and attention into finding outfits that will not only make the girls look good, but also keep them happy. This is a great occasion to bond and have fun trying on different frocks for the special day.
Over the last couple of years, we've seen a variety of beautiful designs for bridesmaids' dresses, and we can't help noticing the big influence of the film Sex and The City, where Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda arrive at Carrie's wedding wearing evening gowns in stunning colours and styles. This has been a source of inspiration for brides who want to break away from tradition. It also means that as the cost of weddings increase and budgets shrink, they can pick and choose dresses that are affordable, wearable on other occasions, and also suited to their shape and personality. From an aesthetic standpoint, seeing bridesmaids in different styles and shades adds variety to the day - and they look great in photos too.
All shapes and sizes
Andrea: "If the bridesmaids vary in size and shape, let them wear the same colour but in different styles. This way, each girl can choose a dress to complement her shape."
"Another option would be to select a colour scheme and let each one choose a shade of this that best suits her skin tone."
Sarah: "Wearing the same dress but in varying lengths is ideal for brides who prefer the bridesmaids to don the same style while ensuring that the length suits their shape and height."
"It's important that the bridesmaids feel comfortable in the outfit you've chosen, so another idea would be to select a look that provides options, such as different necklines or straps, halter-neck, criss-crossed or spaghetti straps."
To match or not to match
Sarah: "A common problem brides encounter is when the style they have chosen for the older bridesmaids is not available in flowergirl sizes. Most companies offer flowergirl dresses which, although different in style to the bridesmaids', can be an exact colour match. If not, the bride can usually find a style in a similar or complementary tone from most fashion retail shops. If the bride is really struggling to find the perfect match, she can incorporate the basic colour into the flowergirls' hair accessories or shoes."
To read on see page 85 of the current issue. |
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| Getting personal |
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This summer I was lucky enough to attend a trio of weddings, all of them absolutely beautiful and wonderfully representative of each happy couple in their own way. The colour schemes and choice of venues were completely different, and it was heartening to see how my friends had brought a touch of their personality to the big day, adding to the romance of the occasion immeasurably. It is this spirit of individuality that I hope we can encourage you to discover in this issue, which is packed full of advice and inspiration.
An excellent way to add a sense of fun to your event is to organise some brilliant entertainment for your reception. On page 37 we look at different options to keep guests enraptured, from magicians to brilliant bands. An impressive performance should take place in an awe-inspiring setting, and Hampshire and Dorset are certainly the areas in which to find an amazing space. This issue we went on the hunt for picture perfect venues, and suffice to say we were not disappointed. Turn to page 17 for the full insight.
Enjoy!
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| Jennifer Kettle, Editor |
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Make sure your email editor@
yourhampshiredorsetwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a pampering package worth £750 |
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Soul Retreat delivers mobile beauty treatments and spa experiences in the comfort of your home, helping to soothe away stress and tension with a range of luxurious aromatic massage treatments and indulgent facials. Owner and therapist Nicola McKenna has been working in the beauty industry for the last 20 years, and has worked in some of the best hotels and spas in the country.
Among the beauty services offered by Soul Retreat is a range of Genie treatments, including a Slimtone Module which slims and tones the body, reduces cellulite and can help with sciatica problems.
The Take 10 module incorporates the 10-minute Facelift effect and Eyes Like Diamonds and Jowl Lift effect, while the Lymphatic Module helps with water retention, sinus problems and various acne-related skin complaints. For more information, visit www.genie-tech.co.uk
Soul Retreat is based in Ringwood and can come to your home or a venue of your choice within a 25-mile radius. To find out more, call 07979 440 808 or contact Nicola at nicola.mckenna@yoursoulretreat.co.uk
We have teamed up with Soul Retreat to give one lucky bride and five friends an indulgent beauty package worth £750. The package includes:
- Wedding package for bride and four bridesmaids
- A three-hour indulgence facial and massage treatment
- Genie Complete Take 10 non-surgical facelift consisting of 10 treatments
- Manicure and pedicure for four people
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| Enter here |
| Picture perfect |
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From a stately home to a rustic barn or boutique hotel, there is a stunning venue in the region to suit every celebration
Warbrook House and Grange
Eversley, Hampshire RG27 0PL
Warbrook House has a 130-acre garden with a Versailles-style canal, which means couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to romantic photographic opportunities. The house is licensed to hold civil marriages and partnerships, and the bride- and groom-to-be can hire the mansion house or the full estate for exclusive use. A blessing can also be arranged on the back lawn.
Ceremonies of up to 60 guests are held in the Canal View Suite, while The Stapleton James Suite can seat up to 120 ceremony or wedding breakfast guests. Receptions are held in the Drawing Room, which provides access to the front and rear gardens. Evening parties of up to 200 people can be catered for and there is a dancefloor that links the bar and the main suite. Couples can choose to make use of the venue's fully-inclusive package or have a tailor made day. The newlyweds also have complimentary use of one of the signature rooms.
For more information call 01189 732174 or visit www.devere.co.uk
For more picture perfect venues see page 17 of the current issue. |
| Keep calm and carry on |
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We've quizzed the experts for a few handy hints and tips to keep your inner bridezilla at bay
It's no secret that planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times of your life and even though the team at County Wedding Magazines do all we can to ensure it's as straightforward as possible, there will always be moments when you feel like things are going wrong. Anything could trigger this, from your bridesmaids preferring different dresses to the venue flooding a week before the wedding. But no matter what causes you to feel stressed, help is at hand.
Melt into a massage
Who doesn't love getting a massage? They make you feel instantly relaxed and can help combat all manner of ailments. Don't just take our word for it though, Gintare Lisauskiene from mobile wellness and beauty company, Blossom and Jasmine ( www.blossomandjasmine.com) says: "One of the many benefits of a massage is that the bride will be rested and recharged on her special day. In addition to relieving stress and promoting relaxation, massage increases blood flow and helps the body to naturally flush away toxins. Every bride deserves to arrive at her wedding looking and feeling like a million dollars and a massage will definitely go some way to achieving that."
To read more see page 103 of the current issue. |
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| Global sounds |
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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: New York
If there's one album loved-up couples should have on their playlist, it has to be one by Stacey Kent. Her soothing voice and easy style brings freshness to every song, especially American classics such as Fools Rush In on her album A Fine Romance. Stacey performs with her saxophonist husband Jim Tomlinson and together they have produced some brilliant albums, including Let Yourself Go, a tribute to Fred Astaire. www.candidrecords.com
Also try... Jamie Cullum's Devil May Care (Candid Records) and albums by divas Billy Holiday and ella Fitzgerald for the ultimate in mellow jazz vocals. Check out Rough Guide to Jazz and Blues Legends: Billy Holiday (reborn and remastered) and Rough Guide to Jazz Legends: Ella Fitzgerald (reborn and remastered). www.worldmusic.net
To read on see page 127 of the current issue. |
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www.yourhampshiredorsetwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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