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| OUT NOW |
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Advice for bridesmaids
Tips on dressing your all-important maids
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Rural venues
Charming settings in the region
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Real weddings
Divine weddings full of inspiration
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Etiquette guide
What to do, and when to do it
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Lace style
Work this season's most romantic trend
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Reception inspiration
How to create a stunning art deco-themed day
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Stylish headpieces
Make a statement with show-stopping accessories
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Venues from Neath to Porthcawl
We spotlight settings around the area
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In South Africa and Zambia
Jennifer Kettle reports back from the wild
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Entertain in style
Top ideas to get the party started
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Trends 2012
Our team predicts the wedding must-haves for next year
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Tie break
Make a statement in bold and bright neckwear
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 30th December 2011 |
| Q&A Fashion & Beauty |
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Winter glamour
Q - I always change my skincare routine in the winter and wondered if the same was necessary for my make-up? I am getting married in December, can you advise on what products and colours I should be using?
A - Sascha says: Your skin is the most important element of your make-up - it needs to look flawless all day. Be sure to choose a foundation that perfectly matches your skin tone; I would suggest matching it to the skin on your chest, as the face often has uneven tones, particularly during the colder months. You may be having a winter wedding, but it's still important to keep your skin looking light and fresh. I love MAC's Face and Body Foundation (£25.50 for 120ml) which is very sheer and great for building up gradually. However, other alternatives include Chanel Pro Lumiere (£33 for 30ml) or Chanel Vitalumiere (£33 for 30ml), depending on your skin type. The next step is to apply concealer to any blemishes and finish with a translucent powder.
When it comes to your eyes, apply a soft gunmetal-coloured eyeshadow across the lid and blend with a clean brush. Next, apply a brown-coloured eye pencil on the inner top lid - it's a trick that takes a lot of practice but it's great for making lashes look thicker and more dramatic. Use a nude-coloured pencil to line the inner rim, curl your lashes at the base and the middle, rather than the tips, and apply two coats of mascara. Keep the lips nude using a flesh-coloured liner and lipgloss to bring the whole look together. |
| Without a hitch |
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Before he jets off on his honeymoon, Ned Mawding reminisces on what he calls 'one heck of a day'...
I've only gone and done it. The big day is finally over and I have to say I'm feeling rather pleased about it all. I'm married to a beautiful woman, the day ran smoothly and our evening reception was, without a doubt, the party of the century. So, for all my avid readers out there, I thought I'd give you a run-down of how the day went. I didn't keep a diary as such; most of this is from memory. I did, however, consume quite a few beers later in the evening so you'll have to excuse any time lapses that don't quite add up.
7.15am - The breakfast of champions
I'll admit I was anticipating a few pre-wedding nerves but I wasn't expecting to wake up ridiculously early. It could have been adrenalin, it could have been stress, it could even have been the curry I'd had the night before - either way, there was no way I was going back to sleep, despite my best efforts.
By 9:30am, my phone was ringing and my best man was on his way round. "I couldn't sleep either mate," he told me as I let him through the door. Luckily he had brought with him the essentials - bacon, sausages, a baguette and some HP Sauce - and we enjoyed a hearty feast as we pondered over our speeches, followed by a few games on the Xbox before finally deciding to get ready.
1:50pm - Clock watching
Suited and booted, and watching our friends and family pour into the venue, I waited for what felt like ages. I counted my best man pat his jacket pocket at least 20 times to check for the rings, while the registrar stood smiling patiently at me as we waited for my soon-to-be wife to make her entrance. I tried desperately to make small talk, but I was lost for words. I hoped normal service would resume when it was actually time for me to speak.
Right on cue (she couldn't be late for anything if she tried) I heard the crowd whispering and I knew she must be outside. Chairs scrapped back on the wooden floors and the music started playing - suddenly I couldn't wait to see her.
To read on see page 100 of the current issue. |
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| Looking local |
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Writing about weddings in the region makes me realise just how much talent we have in South Wales, and I aim to bring you as much of it as possible. In this issue of the magazine we have practical tips and advice from local boutique owners on how to dress your bridesmaids (page 41), as well as a round up of fabulous entertainment ideas on page 79. This issue is brimming with ideas on everything from gorgeous gowns to etiquette advice, so get ready to feel inspired.
And with the festive season well and truly upon us, may I also take this opportunity to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. I look forward to hearing about all the winter weddings taking place over the Christmas period.
Enjoy the issue,
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| Danielle Wilkins, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yoursouthwaleswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a hen party package |
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Celebrate with your friends in style at the stunning Celtic Haven Resort
If you're looking to celebrate your hen weekend with a mix of fun activities and relaxation, the beautiful Celtic Haven Resort on the Pembrokeshire National Park, near Tenby, could be exactly what you need. The luxury resort has 26 cottages which sleep between two and 12 people each, many of which have stunning sea views and their own private gardens.
It offers group packages at great value prices and all guests at Celtic Haven are free to use the facilities, which include an indoor pool, a sauna, hot tub, fitness suite, nine-hole headland golf course and tennis courts. The resort also houses an Elemis Premier Spa, one of only four in Wales, and guests can choose from more than 80 treatments.
And while the cottages all contain fully equipped kitchens, for those that don't feel like cooking, the Waves Italian Bar & Restaurant is also on site, serving delicious Italian cuisine on its beautiful outdoor terrace or in the comfort of the contemporary dining room.
For more information, call 01834 870 000 or visit www.celtichaven.co.uk
We've teamed up with Celtic Haven to offer readers the chance to win a hen party package worth more than £850. The lucky winner and three friends will get to enjoy a three-night stay at one of its cottages, as well as a golf lesson from a Ryder Cup coach and a luxurious spa treatment at the Elemis Premier Spa. |
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| Enter here |
| Our big day: Kelly and Matthew |
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| Image provided by Angharad Gwenter Photography |
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Kelly and Matthew enjoyed a country vintage wedding with a colourful twist, when they tied the knot in June
Kelly and Matthew met at work, when Kelly was a waitress and Matthew was a chef de partie in the same restaurant. "Our love developed over time," recalls Kelly. "That was 10 years ago and we have been through so much together since. I couldn't imagine life without him."
It was an emotional surprise for Kelly when Matthew proposed: "We went to watch Dirty Dancing in London one June and, as neither of us had been to the city before, it was a really special trip," she recalls. "We were walking around Hyde Park together when Matthew suggested that we sit down underneath a tree. When I turned my back on him for a second, he put headphones over my ears and our song was playing. I turned back round to see him down on one knee. I was completely blown away and we both burst out crying before I'd even had the chance to say 'yes'!"
Keen to have a countryside wedding, the couple chose The Fig Tree Restaurant in Carmarthenshire as the venue, which overlooks the beautiful Tywi Valley. "It was a complete blank canvas and we were free to decorate however we wanted on the day" adds Kelly.
To read on see page 70 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.yoursouthwaleswedding.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... |
| Fashion focus |
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A right royal affair
Hot off the heels of its first Disney Fairytale Weddings collection, Alfred Angelo is set to launch a second collection of gowns inspired by popular Walt Disney princesses this winter, the newest character being Rapunzel.
The company has also launched Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo - a collection of adult bridesmaids gowns available in Disney influenced colours, designed to complement the princess-inspired wedding dresses. The range includes long and short dresses in satin, taffeta and chiffon, in shades nicknamed Beyond The Sea, Love's First Blush and Royal Bloom (pictured), prices start from £160.
For more information, visit
www.alfredangelobridal.co.uk |
| Party in style |
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| Image provided by Deal A Party |
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Be inspired by these wonderful ways to wow your guests
Viva Las Vegas
Add a touch of glitz to proceedings and give your guests a thrill with a mobile fun casino during the evening. Deal A Party in Cardiff offers everything from rounds of roulette and poker to blackjack and American craps. Guests will love the lively atmosphere and it's certainly a fun activity to help break the ice. Why not go one step further and organise prizes for the winning guests?
Top tip: "Ensure your chosen casino company has a proven track record, is well established and can provide images of the events they have covered," advises Lee Warner of Deal A Party. "This will give you an insight into the quality of service it will provide. There is no substitute for experience." For more information, visit www.dealaparty.com
For more entertainment ideas turn to page 79 of the current issue. |
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