OUT NOW
January/February 2012

January/February 2012
 
Venues in the city
Top spots to tie the knot in Cardiff

Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms

Get budget-savvy
How to get the reception look you want... for less

Expert advice
Experts answer questions on keeping the guests happy

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

Home brew
How to choose wine from one of the many vineyards across England and Wales

Desert dreams
Danielle Wilkins explores the romantic side of Sharm El Sheikh

Rustic charm shoot
An inspirational shoot in one of Wales' most stunning venues

In the spotlight
Cardiff milliner Robyn Coles reveals the inspiration behind her work

Catwalk style
Be inspired by this season's trends

Plus...
Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more
 
Next Issue Out
2nd March 2012

Roses & lace
 
Roses & lace
Image provided by Kate Barnard Photography
 
An antique colour palette and pretty vintage details set the tone for Rachel and Tom's city winter wedding

Tom first caught Rachel's eye back in their university days, at their local church in Cardiff. Knowing he was a keen sportsman, she decided to volunteer for almost every
sports club going in order to get his attention. "A fair few pairs of jogging bottoms and a new pair of trainers later, my interest in sport had paid off and we went out on a date to the beach," laughs Rachel. "I knew from our first meeting he was a keeper and even texted my mum to tell her to buy herself a new hat!"

The proposal came unexpectedly on a sunny day in June as the couple were enjoying ice lollies on a hill overlooking Cardiff. "One minute we were discussing whether or not a
Calipo was better than a Twister, and the next Tom turned to me and said 'Can I ask you a question?' and produced a beautiful diamond ring from his pocket. It was a wonderful surprise," recalls Rachel.

To read on turn to page 30 of the current issue.

Fashion focus
 
Fashion focus
 
Danielle Wilkins reveals the latest bridalwear news

Screen siren glamour

I've fallen head over heels in love with the new 2012 collection from Beverly Lister. In classic Lister style, the range features gowns which will appeal to both vintage-loving and contemporary brides, while focusing on the glamour of the 1950s and '60s. For a super-sweet look in the style of Doris Day and co, waist details, high necklines and roll collar jackets all make an appearance.

Visit www.beverlylister.co.uk

A spring in your step
For those of you about to see in the new season with an engagement ring, congratulations! We've got lots of ideas to help get the planning in motion, with top advice from the region's menswear experts about dressing the groom, the low down on the latest beauty must-haves and plenty of dress inspiration from the catwalks.

However, if you're further along in your planning and thinking about where to head after the big day, then check out our honeymoon pages. I was lucky enough to visit Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt recently and the constant sunshine, warm ocean and friendly locals made it an idyllic honeymoon destination in my book. Read more about my stay on page 114 in the magazine.

Enjoy the issue!

Danielle Wilkins, Editor
 
Make sure you email editor@yoursouthwaleswedding.com to keep us up to date with all your news


Win your wedding photography worth £1,100
 
Win your wedding photography worth £1,100
 
Capture beautiful memories of the big day courtesy of Jenny Potter Photography

As a member of The Society of International School and Events Photographers and The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP), Jenny Potter is a highly experienced wedding, portrait and events photographer based in Usk, Monmouthshire. She focuses on capturing a mix of reportage and posed photography on the big day and offers a number of flexible wedding packages to suit all budgets.

To see more of Jenny's work, or to read some of her testimonials, visit www.jennypotter.com. You can also call Jenny on 07983 556 966 or email jennypotterp@aol.com

We've teamed up with Jenny Potter Photography to offer readers the chance to win a package worth £1,100. The prize includes:

  • Eight hours of photography coverage from the bridal preparations to the first dance.

  • A private password-protected online viewing gallery for the couple and their family and friends.

  • One 12 x 12 inch 25-page wedding album with 50 photographs.

  • The couple's favourite photograph printed on canvas.

And if you don't win? Don't worry. Jenny is also offering 25 lucky runners-up a £100 gift voucher to put towards their wedding photography when they book with her before 1st October, 2012.
 
Enter here

Hey, snappy dresser
 
Hey, snappy dresser
Image provided by www.rosieparsons.com
 
Don't let your bride down on the big day, get suited and booted with our experts? advice

While all eyes will be on your bride, she will inevitably be looking at you, which is why it's important to do her proud on the big day - a crumpled shirt and slightly scuffed shoes just won't cut the mustard. But while she may have been thinking about her outfit from the very beginning, chances are you haven't put much thought into your own, after all, a suit's a suit, right? Well, not quite. In fact, there are now more options than ever for contemporary grooms, as our local experts suggest:

Getting started
"It's important to discuss your options with your fiancee before making any decisions," advises Ross MacKay of Slaters Formal Hire, which has stores in both Cardiff and Swansea. "She is likely to have a preferred colour scheme in mind and your suit will need to fit the overall theme of the day."

"The style of the wedding is very important," adds David Minns, senior style advisor at A Suit That Fits. "While a traditional affair might call for a morning suit, grooms having a modern ceremony might prefer a more relaxed lounge suit. Dinner suits look particularly great for winter weddings," he adds.

"I would also compile a list of the groomsmen in the wedding party and discuss who you will need to source outfits for. You may be able to take advantage of some great offers when purchasing or hiring four or five different suits," says Ross.

To read on see page 99 of the current issue.

Subscribe
 
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.com or call us on 01376 514000

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...

Desert dreams
 
Desert dreams
Image provided by Egyptian Tourism Authority
 
Luxurious retreats, sizzling beaches and fabulous night life... what's not to love about Sharm El Sheikh? Danielle Wilkins discovers the romantic side of this Egyptian hotspot

Sharm El Sheikh is, without a doubt, well-known as a popular tourist destination, and with its sun-drenched beaches and lively nightlife, it's easy to see why. Right now though, it's having a renaissance as a honeymoon hotspot, where newlyweds are guaranteed nothing less than great weather, a fabulous selection of food choices and a whole host of activities to heighten their holidaying experience.

The city is situated along the coastal strip of the Red Sea, on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. Divided into different neighbourhoods, Naama Bay was the first to open a resort especially for tourists and, together with Sharks Bay, has since become the most modern, developed and popular area in the city. With breathtaking views of the coast and a huge stretch of natural beaches, there's a real buzz about the town. This carries on into the evening, and if you head out after dark you'll find lively open-air bars and restaurants overlooking the deep turquoise bays, as well as cushion-filled coffee houses decked out with shisha pipes and, more than likely, quite a few locals.

To read on see page 114 of the current issue.

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