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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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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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Inspiration
Ideas on how to create an art deco-themed reception
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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 |
| The Royal Marines Museum Licensed for Civil Ceremonies |
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The Royal Marines Museum in Southsea, one of the most prestigious buildings in Portsmouth, is now licensed for civil ceremonies including marriages, civil partnerships, renewal of marriage vows and naming ceremonies.
Increasingly people are looking to use approved premises as the setting for their civil ceremonies, and the Royal Marines Museum is the perfect option for someone looking for an extra special venue. Nestled alongside the Southsea seafront, the Museum is a Victorian Grade II listed building, formerly the Officers' Mess of Eastney Barracks. The Museum's rooms are some of the most grand and impressive on the South Coast and vary in size to accommodate any size of ceremony and reception.
The versatility of the Museum means it can host a civil ceremony and reception for a small intimate celebration or host up to 200 people. The experienced staff at the Museum and our partner catering company Red Caterers will ensure that every celebration is special by paying attention to every detail and delivering the highest level of service.
Exclusive use of the Mountbatten Room, Minstrels' Gallery, Trustees' Dining Room, Band Room and Medal Room are available. Ceremonies can be held in the impressive Minstrels' Gallery decorated with magnificent oil paintings, then guests can step outside in to the gardens for a glass of champagne, or have photographs taken on our grand sweeping staircase before joining guests in the magnificent Mountbatten Room to dine.
Donna-Marie Roulland, Event Manager said "For many years we've offered exceptional receptions and parties, but now being able to offer civil ceremonies will be a wonderful addition to offer people looking to hold their celebrations at the Royal Marines Museum".
If you're interested in finding out more about civil ceremonies at Royal Marines Museum or details on hiring the Museum for your wedding reception or private party please contact our events manager Donna-Marie Roulland on 023 9281 9385 or
donna-marie.roulland@
royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk |
| Beautiful inside and out |
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Get in shape and tip-top health with guidance from the region's fitness and nutrition experts
What does it take to look your best on your wedding day? For many brides-to-be, it means months of serious diet and exercise, although we shouldn't forget that it's also about achieving a balance of mind, body and soul through a combination of physical fitness, good nutrition and emotional wellbeing.
Achieving balance is very important especially when it comes to dieting, as taking extreme measures can leave you feeling stressed and vulnerable to health problems. So before you start your regime, we have tips and advice from some of the region's health and fitness experts to help guide you towards total wellness.
Let's get physical
"The best way to get in shape is to prepare yourself physically, nutritionally and mentally," says Reboot Dorset fitness instructor Mark Hooks. "Assess where you are now - your weight, body measurements and physical ability. You can use various tests to gauge your physical fitness, such as a timed swim, cycle or run, and a sit-up or press-up test. It gives you an idea of how far you can go within a designated time. It's important to log your results so you can monitor your progress.
"Your end goal should be measurable, realistic and timed. This could include 10 full press-ups or a specific distance to swim, bike or run - these types of objectives help to give you direction. Once you have set your target, schedule this into your diary and tell as many friends and family as you can, so they can provide support and encouragement."
To read on see page 57 of the current issue. |
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| Getting married in Hampshire & Dorset or know someone who is and would like to receive future newsletters? To forward this email to a friend click here |
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| Winter wonder |
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We love to hear from newly engaged couples, and with this time of year being popular for guys popping the question, we expect to get inundated with sweet proposal stories. If you're just about to embark on the planning process, you're in luck, our Future Forecasts feature on page 53 looks at the hot trends for 2012, spanning all areas of weddings, from fashion to cakes and entertainment to flowers.
Finally, this will be be my last issue as editor of Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding, as I'm moving on to pastures new. I have loved being well and truly swept up into the world of weddings and it has been wonderful to share the nuptials of so many inspiring couples. I wish all of you brilliant brides and grooms-to-be the best of luck in planning your own celebrations.
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 |
| Binding your love |
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Your wedding rings reflect your personality and are meant to last a lifetime, so choose carefully with help from some of the region's jewellers
Planning a wedding involves making myriad choices, and what could be more important than choosing your rings' With so many beautiful styles to boggle the mind and trends to influence your decisions, where do you start looking? We asked some of the region's jewellers for their advice.
Choosing your wedding ring
Engagement rings come in many unusual designs and shapes, which can make it tricky when it comes to selecting a wedding band to match them. "Brides generally start by looking at their engagement ring," says Emma McDonald of Be Designed Jewellery. "They need to find a band that will complement their engagement ring but not overpower it. The rings need to look like perfect partners."
The process of customising a ring takes time, but is a fun, creative endeavour couples can really get involved in. "Choose the same metal as your engagement ring so they don't rub and wear against each other. Different metals wear at different rates, so what might seem a more affordable option now may cause unnecessary costs in the future," advises Emma. The good news is, most jewellers now offer a bespoke service that allows clients to choose a design that fits perfectly with their engagement ring.
Working closely with a jewellery designer means that couples can take a piece of heirloom jewellery or gemstone and have it redesigned into something more modern or quirky, if they wish.
To read on see page 43 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.yourhampshiredorsetwedding.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... |
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| Luxury images |
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| Image provided by Ian Hamilton |
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Bournemouth-based wedding and portrait photographer Ian Hamilton recently launched Cherish, a luxe version of the 'trash the dress' post-wedding shoot. This bespoke service provides the client with a VIP fashion-shoot experience, which includes a beauty session with professional hair and make-up artists while enjoying a glass of champagne.
"Rather than photographing the client in a studio or outdoors, we will shoot at some of the region's most exclusive locations," says Ian. "These are handpicked venues you wouldn't normally have access to." One of the choice locations is Chewton Glen, where a private photoshoot includes an overnight accommodation in the stunning Marryat Suite, complemented by a backdrop of beautiful grounds and parkland.
For more information, call 07575 567 408 or visit www.ianh.co.uk |
| Hot topic: Venues |
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Make it a marquee
Q - We're looking for a venue for our summer wedding next year and we want to fill our space with beautiful floral arrangements. A friend suggested that we hire a marquee, and we're happy to consider this option if it is possible to achieve the look we want. What do you think?
A - Lynda says: A marquee provides a blank canvas and there is no limit to what you can achieve in terms of decor. A traditional venue will have its own style and character, and could influence the type of decor you use. If you decide to hire a marquee, find a company that supplies elegant chandeliers, as well as spotlights that beam down on each table to highlight your floral arrangements. A black ceiling with fairylights would also look stunning.
To create impact, I would suggest going for tall arrangements for the tables - a low display can get lost in relation to the height of the marquee. Silver candelabras with cascading white and green flowers accented with crystal droplets look romantic, while cylinder vases filled with twigs, delphiniums and a collar of blue hydrangea make a vibrant, contemporary option. |
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