OUT NOW
January/February 2012

January/February 2012
 
Sounds & rhythms
Music to celebrate your nuptials

Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms

Blushing bride
The County Wedding Magazines team tries out a range of blushers

Hot topic
Experts answer questions on colour coordination

A groom's view
We kick off our new series with TOWIE's Arg's take on weddings

Hidden beauty
Undecided about wearing a veil? Our guide will give you plenty of ideas

Black magic
Ebony tones are en vogue but would you dare to go dark?

Wedding timeline
A month-by-month guide on how to organise your big day

Close to the coast
Our pick of Southampton's most charming locations

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
24th February 2012

Hampshire Wedding Show
 
Hampshire Wedding Show
 
It's a Doddle will host the Hampshire Wedding show at the University of Southampton on Sunday 4th March, 2012 from 11am to 4pm.

Offering a 140 of the very best wedding suppliers in the Hampshire area, there will be lots to see in the various rooms, each with a unique theme and atmosphere. If vintage is your thing, it even has a special room packed full of the best vintage suppliers in the industry.

Entertainers and musicians will be performing throughout the day in the dedicated music room.

With five catwalk shows and live demonstrations from hair and beauty experts for you to watch and participate in, you'll be sure to find everything needed to plan the perfect wedding.

To find out more call 0800 1588188 or visit www.hampshireweddingshow.itsadoddle.com

The Magic of Motown
 
The Magic of Motown
 
Gather all the hens and prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular evening of live music and dance when The Magic of Motown comes to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton on Sunday, 11th March 2012. This exhilarating show comes direct from the US to entertain audiences with '60s hits: and many more classics from Motown legends such as The Temptations, Diana Ross & The Supremes, the Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie. We're giving away 5 tickets to one lucky bride-to-be to this fabulous evening of Motown Magic.

Enter online at www.yourhampshiredorsetwedding.com by 2nd March 2012.

Let there be love
 
Let there be love
Image provided by Harry Page Images
 
Ashley and Greg's stylish country-themed big day featured fireworks and music so good guests spent the whole night on the dancefloor

The couple met in Los Angeles in 2008 while Ashley was taking part in a camping tour across America and Greg was the guide. Their first date was at a sushi restaurant in New York City. "It went very well, but as I had to go back home to England, I didn't know at the time if we'd see each other again," says Ashley.

But even distance couldn't keep them apart, and two years later they got engaged. For her hen do, Ashley was taken to a restaurant and cabaret show in London as a surprise, while Greg went on a week-long stag holiday in Morocco with one of his good friends.

To read on see page 72 of the current issue.

Wedded bliss
Those of you yet to embark on your own fairytale wedding are in for a treat - this issue includes features on finding a wedding venue with a luxury spa in which to unwind, choosing music for your big day, this year's bridalwear trends, as well as inspiring stories and ideas from our two real wedding couples. And for brides- and grooms-to-be planning their winter honeymoon escape, Danielle Wilkins discovers the romantic side of Sharm El Sheikh while Rowena Marella-Daw finds an oasis of calm in Dubai.

Enjoy!

Louise Prance, Editor
 
Make sure you email editor@yourhampshiredorsetwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news


Win a makeover for your big day worth £720
 
Win a makeover for your big day worth £720
 
Get the perfect look for yourself and the girls with a beauty makeover, courtesy of Sarah Barlex

Looking her best on her wedding day is what every bride-to-be strives for, particularly when it comes to hair and make-up. And it's a matter of finding the right person to create a style and look that suits the bride's personality, while also enhancing her natural beauty.

There are so many hair and make-up styles to choose from and the help and advice of a professional artist such as Sarah Barlex can make all the difference. The beauty guru has been in the business for eight years and provides a complete grooming package for the bride and her party. "I love the whole process - getting to know the bride-to-be before the big day and helping to achieve a look that's perfect for her," she says. "Making her feel beautiful, happy and relaxed is my ultimate goal and I feel privileged to be part of such an important day.

"Up, down, straight, curly, twist, pleat or bun; the hair options are endless - which one will suit you and your hair type? Are you wearing a veil, tiara, hair piece? These are just some of the things a bride needs to consider, and we will work together to complete the look."

Sarah also offers a Girls' Slumber Party package, which includes a luxury facial (cleanse, tone, exfoliation, face mask and moisturise) and hand massage and treatment, or a Girls' Night Out Party package, to include a full facial (excluding face mask) and makeover.

To find out more, call Sarah on 07901 735 778 or visit www.fairoak.eu

We've teamed up with Sarah Barlex to offer readers the chance to win a beauty package worth £720. The package includes:

  • Hair and make-up consultation for the bride-to-be, three bridesmaids and the mother-of-the-bride.

  • Hair, make-up and nails on the day for the bride, three bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride.
 
Enter here

Hot topic: A touch of nostalgia
 
Hot topic: A touch of nostalgia
 
Tea party

Q I'm having two hen parties - the first will be a day spent at a luxury spa with my friends, while the other will involve mums and aunts. Although clubbing is not on the agenda for the second hen do, I'd like it to be just as fun and memorable. Can you suggest ways to achieve this?

A Anna Coombes says:
Increasingly, brides-to-be are looking for glamorous and sophisticated ways to celebrate their forthcoming nuptials, and vintage tea parties are the perfect choice. Set the mood with eclectic accessories, fairy lights, printed tablecloths and flowers. Serve afternoon tea and champagne on vintage china and tiered cake stands. Make the dress code 'vintage glamour', so your guests are encouraged to embrace the theme and dress accordingly.

During the party, hens could be invited to create a 'make a wish' box for the bride-to-be, with each guest posting her message as a keepsake. As something extra, I would organise a creative workshop, such as cupcake decorating, fascinator making lessons or a vintage pamper parlour - a fun and fabulous way to spend an afternoon with friends and family in the lead up to your wedding.

Swiss sensation
 
Swiss sensation
 
There's no shortage of uber chic Alpine resorts in which to spend a winter wonderland-style honeymoon, and if you've got Switzerland in mind but prefer to stay somewhere trendy and party-friendly, Nevai Hotel might fit the bill.

Guests have a choice of 33 superior rooms and two penthouse suites with fabulous mountain views, as well as a restaurant serving Mediterranean-Asian cuisine, a sophisticated bar and an Elemis Spa with hammam, sauna and dipping pool.

The hotel offers a complimentary driver service to and from the ski lifts. And if you're in the mood to party, Verbier's premier night club is right next door.

To find out more, visit www.hotelnevai.com or call +41 27 775 40 00.

Find your local wedding suppliers...
 
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...
 
Find your local wedding suppliers...





Q&A Health & Beauty
 
Q&A Health & Beauty
 
Eye do

Q My right eyelid gets really itchy and
swollen when I apply make-up and this is worrying me as I'd really like to wear full make-up on my wedding day - can you recommend brands that would be suitable for my sensitive skin?

A Gail Cook says:
There is a great range of natural and organic products out there and these are particularly good for sensitive skin, providing you don't suffer from allergies and irritation as a result of using plant-based products.

It's important to understand your allergies. If you know which ingredients trigger them, you can easily avoid make-up containing these, but it gets tricky if you're not sure what causes the irritation. Remember, just because a product is hypoallergenic doesn't mean it won't cause a reaction, so carry out a small patch test before using.

We say: Try mineral-based make-up, but check which brands are truly 'mineral-based' and not just cashing in on the trend. It's worth seeing a dermatologist to get to the root of your problem. They can also recommend products formulated to deal with your condition and these may not be readily available from retailers.

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