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Central Birmingham venues
City chic settings
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Forties vintage styling
Elegant gowns and accessories
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Real weddings
Readers share their stories
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Pampering treats
Sort out your pre-wedding beauty blues
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Historic settings
Venues that evoke the beauty of a bygone era
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E-Shoot inspiration
Top tips and inspiring images
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Planning advice
Top wedding experts offer their tips
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Reception inspiration
Jennifer Kettle explains how to thrill guests with a gothic-themed day
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Eco chic weddings
How to reduce your carbon footprint
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Child's play
Be sure to keep the children entertained on the day
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Honeymoons
Louise Prance discovers the delights of Cancun, Mexico
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 2nd December 2011 |
| A vintage love story |
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| Image provided by AE Wedding Photography |
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It was a romantic affair for Victoria and Oscar, who celebrated an elegant wedding filled with luxe details
Where it all began
Victoria and Oscar first met at secondary school but it wasn't until the pair were both elected as House Captains during their final year that they realised what a great team they made. "After school we both went our separate ways for 10 years, until one fateful Christmas Eve when we met again," recalls Victoria. "We started dating and the rest is history."
The proposal came while Victoria and Oscar were on holiday together in Miami. "I remember being amazed when I found an exotic-looking shell on Miami South Beach," laughs Victoria. "Little did I know that Oscar had hidden the ring inside it. I soon realised what had happened when I turned to see him down on one knee."
Setting the scene
With the planning in motion, it wasn't long before the couple found the perfect venues for the elegant wedding they had in mind: Knowle Parish Church in Solihull, followed by the glorious Ragley Hall Park and Gardens in Warwickshire.
"Our local village church is very beautiful and we have known it for many years," says Victoria. "We fell in love with Ragley Hall the moment we saw it; it's a beautiful old English manor set in the most stunning gardens, with peacocks roaming around the grounds. It also offers the most amazing food, made from locally sourced produce. It was quite the place for a party."
Vintage twist
Victoria opted for a gown by Ivory Tower Bridal Couture in Knowle. With a subtle theme of pearls and lace in the décor, her gown complemented the celebrations perfectly boasting a pretty sweetheart neckline, a hem embellished with delicate Alençon lace and a satin tie around the waist. Victoria's outfit was finished off with an Alençon lace bolero and a silk floral headpiece created by designer Leigh Hetherington, also bought from Ivory Tower.
"I did find other gowns I liked, but this one was always in the back of my mind and I couldn't relax until I'd tried it on again," recalls Victoria. "It was a classic gown with a hint of vintage and I loved it."
To read on see page 28 of the current issue. |
| Give yourself a beauty boost |
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Whether you've got months to prepare for your wedding or need a quick-fix a few days beforehand, we've rounded up a selection of pampering treats and spas to get you looking and feeling picture perfect
The problem: You feel stressed
You're laying awake at night worrying about what could go wrong, every day seems to be more frantic than the day before and, no matter what you do, you just can't seem to switch off.
Home remedy...
With all the energy you're expending on the wedding, ideally you should be sleeping like a log right now, so it may be time to re-think your routine. Elemis' De-Stress range includes a selection of specially formulated bath elixirs and oils that are designed to promote relaxation. Stick to non-wedding talk after 9pm, run a bath, add a drop of Elemis Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixir with soothing patchouli oil and cocoa butter (£19 for 300ml), pick up a book and while the rest of the evening away.
To read on see page 67 of the current issue. |
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| My best friend's wedding |
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At the moment I'm in the process of helping plan a celebration that's very dear to my heart - my best friend's wedding. When she and her fiancé announced their long-awaited nuptials for September next year, I could have burst with excitement and now, after they have booked the all-important venue and photographer, I can't wait to hear more about how they plan to stamp their personalities on the big day.
I love hearing from couples who have already had fun injecting individual touches into their day, which is why the real weddings are an absolute dream to research and write. I was lucky enough to chat to two beautiful brides this issue, both equally glamorous in their own way. While both weddings were held in grand reception venues, the ladies' bridal styles were very different. Vicky Turner looked stunning in a glamorous bespoke gown, while our cover bride, Victoria Mason Hamilton, opted for a vintage-inspired look complete with lace bolero and statement floral headpiece. Read more about their weddings on pages 28 and 82.
Enjoy the issue,
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| Danielle Wilkins, Editor |
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| Make sure your email editor@yourwestmidlandswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a bespoke wedding gown worth up to £2,000 |
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Wear your dream dress on the big day with the help of Vanessa I'Anson Couture
Couture bridalwear designer Vanessa I'Anson is based in the picturesque town of Stratford Upon Avon. After studying fashion design at Birmingham City University, Vanessa went on to gain experience in the bridalwear industry with one of London's most succesful bridal couturiers, and in a local bridal boutique, before launching her own business, Vanessa I'Anson Couture, with the help of the Prince's Trust.
"Corsetry was something I became interested in during my final year of university; the silhouette is flattering on women of all shapes and sizes and can give anyone a beautiful hourglass figure," says Vanessa. "The most important element of a wedding gown for me is the fabric itself and I only use the most luxurious, finest quality materials to bring my creations to life."
For more information about Vanessa I'Anson, or to book a consultation, call her on 01789 565 254
We've teamed up with Vanessa I'Anson Couture to offer readers the chance to win one of two fantastic prizes. First prize will be a stunning bespoke wedding gown designed and created from scratch, worth up to £2,000. The second prize is a bespoke two-piece mother-of-the-bride outfit worth up to £950.
Vanessa will work closely with the lucky winners, from the initial consultation process to the final fitting before the big day, to produce the outfit of their dreams.
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| Enter here |
| Say your vows al fresco |
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There aren't a huge amount of venues in the region where couples can legally say their vows outside, so we were excited to hear about the new pavilion opening at Ardencote Manor Hotel in Claverdon, Warwickshire. The hotel is already a popular wedding setting with couples around the region, and it's easy to see why. With more than 83 acres of landscaped grounds, a private lake and a number of stylish banqueting suites, Ardencote provides a lovely backdrop for those looking to celebrate a countryside wedding.
The pavilion, which has a civil ceremony licence and space for up to 150 guests, will be available to couples tying the knot between April and October. The new structure will be officially unveiled at the hotel's wedding fair on Sunday 16th October, 2011, 12pm to 3pm.
For more information, call 01926 843 111 or visit www.ardencote.com |
| Oh so sweet |
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| Image provided by Sugarbliss Cake Company |
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Q - Both my fiancé and I have a sweet tooth, so we want a cake that tastes as good as it looks. Unfortunately though, we don't have the budget to match our dreams. How can we cut back on costs while still having an impressive centrepiece?
A - Nyree says: There are a few different options you can try; firstly I would suggest speaking to your cake designer about your concerns. Some companies will now offer an affordable collection of simple iced designs that you could decorate yourself with fresh flowers on the morning of the wedding. A pretty cake stand will always make a big difference to the finished piece. Choose from striking pedestal stands to glamorous gold and silver varieties. A mirrored plate sprinkled with rose petals always looks great too.
If you are having an intimate wedding, you could ask your cake designer to create just one tier for cutting and have the rest of the cake made from dummy tiers. These are iced in the same way and nobody will know the difference. You could also have some cutting bars of cake in the kitchen to top up the portions. Cutting bars are less expensive than additional tiers and you could have a variety of flavours. Your guests will believe that you had a multi-tiered and multi-flavoured cake. Finally, if dummy tiers aren't for you, I would suggest opting for a sponge creation instead of traditional fruit cake or carrot cake. These flavours are often more pricey than a sponge. |
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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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| The return of elegance |
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| Image provided by Rosalind by Madeline Isaac-James |
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Evoke memories of old Hollywood glamour with ladylike details and vintage gowns inspired by the 1930s and '40s
After all the frivolity of the jazz age, when beads and feathers adorned drop-waisted party dresses, the 1930s bride opted to show off her curves in bias-cut satin. The heavy embellishments of the 1920s gave way to a more sensuous silhouette as the classic bride draped herself in body skimming silk that had little or no detail.
In the 1940s it was all about simple sophistication with slim skirts, demure necklines and wide shoulders. Later on in the decade, lace became popular again and slender satin gowns with V-shaped necklines covered with netting, and lace sleeves, proved to be a popular choice. |
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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.yourwestmidlandswedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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