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Inspirational ideas
This issue we look at monochrome
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Hot bridal trends
What's set to be big for 2010?
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Capturing the moment
Everything you need to know about wedding photography
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Going local
In and around St Albans
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Perfect honeymoons
Romantic getaways for newlyweds
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Tried & Tested
We put cheek, eye and lip compacts to the test
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The good suit guide
Seven steps to choosing a bespoke suit
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Travel essentials
What you should be packing for a comfortable honeymoon
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 19 March 2010 |
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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.yourhertsbedswedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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| Getting married in Herts & Beds or know someone who is? To forward this email to a friend click here |
| Our big day - Robyn & Jamie |
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Robyn Tate, 21, met Jamie Houston, 31, four years ago at their local nightclub. "Jamie tells me he had been admiring me from afar for months before he plucked up the courage to approach me,"" says Robyn. Military platoon serjeant Jamie realised just how much he loved Robyn during his tour of Iraq back in 2007, and decided to make their commitment to each other official upon his return.
Robyn had always wanted a traditional church wedding, so the couple chose St John the Baptist Church in Royston in which to hold their ceremony. The reception venue was Fanhams Hall Hotel, which is 20 miles south of Royston, just outside of Ware. "It's such a beautiful setting, with an air of elegance," says Robyn.
Robyn's dress was a show-stopper by Donna Salado, who specialises in theatrical and unusual designs. The gown was made from ivory silk, and had a full ruched skirt, a diamanté-encrusted bodice.
For more information on Robyn & Jamie's big day, see pages 74-78 of the current issue. |
| Be Inspired - Ebony & Ivory |
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| This issue we're going back to black to inspire you with the stylish delights of monochrome. I love the stark contrast of black and white which, when combined, can create a timeless look - ensuring you won;t be filled with regret when you look back on those reception shots in years to come. Why not go all-out on the day and set the scene with a black tie dress code, and have cool martinis served as reception drinks for a touch of 007 style? Alternatively, take inspiration from Old Hollywood - the epitome of glamour - and name tables after classic black and white movies, or 1950s stars like Marilyn Monroe and Cary Grant. When it comes to the finer details anything is possible. For flower arrangements choose anemone with white petals and a black centre, or try kangeroo paw, which looks fabulous mixed with classic white blooms, such as roses. For more ideas on how to create a fabulous black and white wedding theme, see page 41 of the current issue. |
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| I'd love to hear from you |
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In my experience, new year's resolutionsare made to be broken. Mine - to be more organised - lasted all of five days. I'm back to my old habits, and with an ever-growing mound of papers surrounding me, I can barely see the desk I'm working at (although on the plus side, it doesn't need a clean so often).
In this issue, check out our feature by Danielle Wilkins on how to avoid stressin the run-up to the big day. Also, our best-ever competition, a chance to win a holiday in the Bahamas worth £6,000, a prize that's sure to ease the the stresses and strains.
Lastly, don't miss St Albans venues, bridesmaids' fashion, local florists and warming winter gift list ideas.
Enjoy!
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| Lisa Morgan, Editor |
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| Make sure your email editor@yourhertsbedswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a luxury honeymoon in the Bahamas worth £6,000 |
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After all the fun and excitement of the big day, what could be better than escaping to an island as husband and wife and getting spoilt rotten! Picture emerald waters, white sandy beaches, friendly locals, warm weather and luxurious resorts, all of which you can experience in The Islands of The Bahamas.
A STRING OF JEWELS
The Bahamas are a group of islands and 'cays', the largest of which are The Exumas, a 120-mile long chain of 360 islands. Visitors to these islands have access to pristine beaches and an exciting range of activities such as sailing, kayaking, diving and snorkelling. The stunning coral reefs and caves are part of the Exuma National Land and Sea Park, and are protected by the Bahamas National Trust.
The Exumas were once frequented by pirates who used the islands as their hideout. These days, the only pirates known to have set foot here is the cast of the film Pirates of the Caribbean. They were also used as location in the Bond films Thunderball and Never Say Never Again.
SANDALS EMERALD BAY
The luxurious Sandals Emerald Bay is the newest addition to the brand's collection of Luxury Included® resorts spread across the Caribbean and The Bahamas.
In a class of its own, the resort has a distinct character that evokes the refinement of a bygone era. It sits on an estate spanning 500 acres, with a one-mile stretch of white sand beach.
All 183 spacious plantation-style oceanfront suites, villas and bay houses come with the services of a butler trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers to cater to every couple's whim. There is also a 17-acre Emerald Bay Marina - the first of its kind at a Sandals resort.
TIME TO PLAY AND RELAX
Laze on the beach or take a dip in the infinity pool before gliding towards the Jacuzzi or pool bar for a sip of martini at sunset. Get some serious pampering at the Red Lane® Spa, which has 22 indoor treatment areas and six outdoor sanctuaries. Take part in a wide range of activities and sports, including scuba diving, or practise your swing in the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course.
FOOD HEAVEN
All those months of pre-nuptial dieting and exercising can finally be rewarded, so indulge your culinary cravings in the resort's six gourmet restaurants, including an Italian brick-oven pizzeria, a French-style café and a fine-dining seafood restaurant.
LUXURY INCLUDED® PAMPERING
It's the finest details that make all the difference, and these include:
- A welcome by your personal butler on arrival
- Kir Royale and chocolate-covered strawberries in the room
- In-room check-in and bags unpacked by your personal butler
- Bottle of champagne on arrival
- By day, a choice of activities such as cooking lessons by celebrity chefs, dance lessons, introductory golf and tennis clinics by the resort's PGA golf and tennis pros
- By night, enjoy live music, magic-hour jazz performances, bonfire and star gazing events, plus pianists and Appleton Reserve Rum tasting classes
- Afternoon fruit sorbet
- Evian spritzers around the pool
- Fresh towels with cucumber scent
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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... |
| Romantic hideaways - La Dolce Vita |
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Couples who are enamoured with history, art and everything Italian should head for Relais la Suvera, a fascinating place tucked in the charming hamlet of Pievescola in the Sienese region of Tuscany. This former medieval fortress was converted into a Renaissance villa in 1507 by Pope Julius II, an influential figure in politics and a patron of Raphael and Michelangelo.
Restoring the building to its former splendour was a labour of love for owners Marquis Giuseppe Ricci and his wife Princess Eleonora Massimo - they have done an amazing job transforming this place into an intimate retreat.
For more information on Relais la Suvera and for other beautiful romatic hideaways, see pages 104-108 of the current issue. |
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| Make it snappy |
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Your Herts & Beds wedding picks six must-have shots for the perfect big-day album.
The bride getting ready:
The expert opinion: " This is such a key photograph", says Becky Kerr (www.beckerphotography.co.uk).
"Firstly it relaxes the bride and gets her used to having a photographer around, rather than seeing them at the ceremony venue. It also gives the photographer an opportunity to take natural shots of the bride with the parents and bridesmaids."
We say:
After the wedding, your groom will love to look through these pictures of you and your bridesmaids having fun together. If you have more than one photographer there on the day, ask one of them to take similar pictures of men getting ready.
For more top tips on those must-have shots on your wedding day, see pages 83-84 of the current issue. |
| The next big thing |
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Get set for sheer sexiness, textured gowns and asymmetric styles as Danielle Wilkins delves into the bridal trends for 2010.
- Whether you go for a voluminous puffball style or intricate beaded lacework, sleeves are back this year.
- Gorgeous, sheer flowing fabrics are perfect for adding a hint of sexiness without baring all.
- Stylish asymmetric designs are the new strapless for this year.
- Get touchy-feely with glam textured gowns and accessories.
- Embrace the '50s silhouette with lavish lace layered with net petticoats and a cinched-in waist.
For more top bridal trends for 2010 see pages 45-53 of the current issue. |
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