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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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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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The ultimate etiquette survival guide
What to do, and when to do it
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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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Are you a bridezilla?
Take our fun quiz to find out
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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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Eye do
The County Wedding Magazines team tries out a range of mascaras
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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 |
| Pre- and post-wedding dilemmas |
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Planning your nuptials is without doubt a stressful affair that can often cause arguments in your relationship. After all, a lot of time and effort goes into turning your ideas from concept into reality. But what about after the wedding has taken place? Many couples find that they suffer from post-wedding blues which may cause tension early on in the marriage. Francesca Lee looks at some of the biggest issues that can arise before and after the big day and how to handle them
Spend, spend, spend
Problem Your fiancee is turning into a bridezilla and wants a lavish and extravagant day but the costs are starting to amount to more than you budgeted.
Solution It's easy to get carried away with ideas for weddings as there is an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. Sometimes it's hard for brides to distinguish what they want for the big day from what they really need. Reiterate your budget and keep hinting that the day is about you both celebrating your love for one another, and not about materialistic objects such as whether or not you have a sweetie table or a photo booth. Try to make sure though that your budget does allow for the odd treat, after all, you only get married once.
To read on see page 71 of the current issue. |
| Winchester & Dorchester |
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Lainston House Hotel Woodman Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, SO21 2LT Contact 01962 776 088 or visit www.lainstonhouse.com
Lainston House is surrounded by 63 acres of idyllic countryside, manicured gardens and terraces, not to mention the ruins of a 12th century chapel. It is also said to have the longest avenue of lime trees in England - a romantic backdrop for photographs, while the sumptuous interiors and drawing rooms are equally impressive.
The venue can be hired exclusively for the day, including all bedrooms and lounges. Intimate ceremonies are held in the Mountbatten Room, while larger celebrations with up to 120 guests take place in the 17th century oak-framed Dawley barn overlooking the sweeping countryside. Weddings held here include complimentary use of the drawing room for drinks receptions and the services of a master of ceremonies or toastmaster. The vast south lawn is perfect for marquee celebrations for up to 350 people.
Couples can choose to have a bespoke menu created by award-winning chef Andy MacKenzie and his team. It's worth staying overnight in one of the hotel's beautiful bedrooms featuring hand carved four-poster beds, bathrooms with double rain bar showers, a Jacuzzi and heated floors.
For more stunning locations in the area see page 25 of the current issue. |
| Charitable favours |
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Give your nearest and dearest favours that make a difference to other people's lives, through Julia's House, a Dorset-based hospice dedicated to children with life-limiting conditions. By donating money to the charity on their guests' behalf, couples are helping to support the work of the Julia's House Community Team, which consists of 90 nurses and carers who travel around the country providing life-changing support for families.
In return, each of your guests will receive a printed card with details about the charity, plus a lovely metal Julia's House badge bearing its trademark teddy bear and heart logo. And if couples wish, Julia's House can also supply envelopes for donations from guests in lieu of traditional gifts. To find out more, call 01202 607 400 or visit www.juliashouse.org
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| Winter wonder |
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Warm rays of sunshine bring a smile to the face of many people. However, I have to confess that the colder months have always been my favourite. As autumn leaves in gorgeous, rich hues make way for frost and snowflakes, I relish the opportunity to curl up with a good read and let my mind wander to
dramatic settings. It is with this in mind that we highlight some of the region's romantic and intimate venues on page 17 - perfect for a spot of winter escapism.
I have always imagined that my ideal wedding gown would incorporate vintage-style lace, and lucky for me, this season the intricate fabric is right on trend. Whether you see yourself as an ice queen, a retro siren, or a cool and contemporary bride, there are plenty of dresses to tempt you in our bridal fashion feature on page 93.
If you're not due to tie the knot for a while and are worried about piling on the pounds during the cosy evenings, fear not as help is at hand. On page 57 we speak to experts about getting in shape for your big day, so you can be sure that your dress will be a perfect fit.
Enjoy!
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| Jennifer Kettle, Editor |
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Make sure you email editor@ yourhampshiredorsetwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a photography package worth £1,495 |
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Capture your special day with stylish photographs, courtesy of Helen Rushton Photography
Beautiful images are one of the most important and lasting memories of your wedding, so finding a wonderful photographer to capture the day's emotions is paramount. With many talented professionals in the region, there is bound to be one whose style especially suits your taste and expectations down to a tee.
One such photographer who shoots with an intuitive, creative eye is Romsey-based Helen Rushton. A qualified member of the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photographers), her enthusiasm and commitment are very much evident in the weddings images she has produced.
Helen's style is best described as candid reportage coupled with stylish, contemporary portraits of the bride and groom. Wherever possible, she uses natural light to produce high quality images, with a friendly attitude and unobtrusive approach that allows couples to relax and be themselves.
To find out more and to discuss a bespoke package, call 01794 516 821 or visit www.helenrushtonphotography.co.uk
We've teamed up with Helen Rushton to give one lucky winner a photography package worth £1,495. The package includes:
- Initial consultation
- Pre-wedding shoot
- Pre-wedding shoot image review
- Wedding coverage which includes: bridal preparations, groom and groomsmen, ceremony (adhering to official guidelines), formal group shots, bride and groom portraits, the wedding breakfast and all themed details
- Wedding day image review
- Custom-made album with 50 images
- A 25% discount off a Our Secret Boudoir photoshoot
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| Enter here |
| 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
Flowers Francesca Lee, features editor Your Kent Wedding, Your Sussex Wedding
Depending on the type of nuptials you opt for, the style of blooms you choose for the big day make a big impact. For modern celebrations a black and white flower combination will be in vogue for 2012. Monochrome bouquets not only look stunning in contemporary venues but also add an art deco style statement, which I think will be all the rage next year. To achieve this look, opt for light blooms with dark centres, such as white anemones combined with black calla lilies. Other touches, such as ribbon wraps and black or white crystals will also complete this style of arrangement.
For a more traditional approach, bouquets with hues such as baby pink, subtle yellow and cream will be on-trend in 2012. Roses, peonies and hydrangeas would be ideal for this look, but remember, whichever flowers you decide on, keep your other styling choices consistent throughout to bring the whole day together.
To read on see page 51 of the current issue. |
| Three wicks of bliss |
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Most brides-to-be could do with some help to keep calm and relaxed in the run up to their big day. The Neom Luxury Organics Sensuous home candle, with its harmonious blend of pure essential oils of ylang ylang, frankincense and patchouli, will help to relax with its soothing therapeutic aroma - and that's before the candle is lit.
Transform the bathroom into a haven of tranquillity by lighting Neom's three-wick Sensuous home candle while having a bath, or simply let the aroma of the unlit candle fill the room while getting ready for the wedding. You can even have a few dotted around the ceremony room. The three-wick candle (£37.50) burns for up to 55 hours. For Neom's full product range, visit the website www.neomorganics.com |
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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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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.yourhampshiredorsetwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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