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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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Local news
All the latest from around the region
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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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Flowergirl fashion
Outfits the little ones will love to wear
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Designer in the spotlight
We chat to Oldbury based milliner, Kerry Jane Aston
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Tried & Tested
Our team tests out wedding day scents
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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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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 2nd December 2011 |
| Our big day: Vicky and Neil |
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| Image provided by Jo Hastings Photography |
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A beautiful setting, elegant entertainment and some seriously glamorous outfits complemented Vicky and Neil's stylish big day
Vicky didn't expect to find her future husband during her daily grind at the gym, but that's exactly what happened when she bumped into Neil one day at her local Esporta in Lichfield, Staffordshire.
"It sounds like a cliche, but Neil was tall, dark and handsome; just the type of man I had been looking for," she laughs. "I was in the gym every day, exhausting myself trying to impress him, when a week later he finally came over and spoke to me. I was instantly attracted to him and after our first date, I knew he was the one for me."
The proposal came when Neil took Vicky away to the Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds for her 40th birthday. "He had rented a house overlooking the lake and, after taking me out for dinner, we drank champagne on the balcony and watched the swans," recalls Vicky. "That was when he got down on one knee and proposed. It was a complete shock to me and very emotional. The following day he had arranged for my brother, sister and best friend, together with their partners, to join us for the weekend."
With the wedding planning in motion, Vicky and Neil opted for a glamorous affair with friends and family at the Barcelo Walton Hall Hotel in Warwickshire. "We wanted to hold all the celebrations under one roof, but it was still important for me to have a church ceremony," says Vicky. "Not only is
Walton Hall a beautiful setting, but it also has a church within its grounds and suitable accommodation for all our guests."
Vicky explains more about how their big day came together on page 82 of the current issue. |
| The how to of saying 'I do' |
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| Image provided by Claire Evans Photography |
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Agreeing to marry the love of your life is just the start of engagement bliss but more often than not, the road to wedding nirvana can be a bumpy ride. We ask four local wedding planners to offer their practical tips for organising the day of your dreams
Selecting the guests
Becky Gardner from Perfect Moments says:
Don't attempt to please everyone
I advise my couples to invite guests because they want to spend time with them on the day, not because they feel obliged to. It's important to share the day with whoever you want, so don't invite distant relatives or long lost friends if you don't necessarily need them there. The ultimate deciding factors when planning the guest list will be the size of your venue and your budget, and many people will appreciate that the cost of a wedding has a huge impact on who's invited.
Choose your bridesmaids carefully
When it comes to choosing the maids and other members of the wedding party there are two hard and fast rules to take into consideration. Firstly, your budget. It's easy to get carried away, asking everyone from old school friends to cousins, but you will need to decide whether or not you will be paying for their dresses or whether they will be paying for themselves. Consider how much each individual will cost and make clear to them what elements of their outfits you will be buying early on to avoid confusion. Secondly, you need to decide whether or not this person is reliable, calm and you trust them to be your support system on the day.
To read on see page 39 of the current issue. |
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| Suppliers to be proud of |
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When I hear about all the different weddings that have taken place in the region, I'm amazed at just how much local talent we have here in the West Midlands, and I aim to bring you as much of it as possible. In this issue, we've got practical tips and advice from some of the region's top wedding planners and we also get an insight into the inspiration behind the designs from the very talented Kerry Jane Aston at KJ Millinery.
Elsewhere, the magazine is brimming with ideas on everything from vintage-inspired gowns to must-have beauty products. And for those of you planning an engagement shoot in the coming months, we've rounded up some top tips for relaxed images, as well as some shots to be inspired by.
Enjoy the issue,
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| Danielle Wilkins, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yourwestmidlandswedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a bespoke wedding gown |
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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 or visit www.vanessaianson.co.uk
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 |
| In central Birmingham |
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| Image provided by Mike Gutteridge |
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Our pick of venues in the heart of the city
Town Hall
B3 3DQ
For couples who want a wow-factor wedding, the grand setting of Town Hall is the perfect place for larger celebrations.
After a £35 million refurbishment in 2007, this beautifully restored building has a ornate Wedgewood-inspired interior, an organ that can be played for the bride's arrival and a grand stage for the nuptials to take place on. The magnificent exterior doesn't disappoint either and its columns make a dramatic backdrop for city style photographs.
Exclusive hire? Yes
Ceremony capacity: 900
Reception capacity: 600
Contact: 0121 200 2000 www.thsh.co.uk
For more venues see page 17 of the current issue. |
| The greener touch |
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Weddings can be costly events - not just on your bank balance, but on the planet too. Danielle Wilkins looks at some of the small changes you can make to have a more ethical day, without compromising on luxury
Look local
For reliable services of the highest quality, try to source as many of your wedding suppliers as locally as possible. Not only will this help boost the economy in your area, but it also cuts down on the importing of goods, in turn reducing emissions and lowering your carbon footprint. This is particularly true when it comes to catering. "Try to source a caterer that uses local, organic produce wherever possible," says wedding planner Julie Dawson of The Wedding Genie. "Look for those that can offer fresh, home grown produce from local farmers and ask them about seasonal menus."
When it comes to serving drinks, there is an array of organic wines now available in the UK. Look to visit a local wine merchant or vineyard in order to try before you buy. Organic beer and cider is also an option - great for those celebrating their big day in an open countryside setting.
To read on see page 79 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.yourwestmidlandswedding.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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Danielle Wilkins reveals the latest style buys for the new season
Vintage luxe
The trend for all things vintage has shown no signs of abating on the catwalks, and the decadent Nostalgia collection from Suzanne Neville is no exception. The new 2011/2012 range is inspired by Hollywood greats such as Greta Garbo and Sophia Loren and features lots of organza, silk chiffon and sleeve and neckline details.
For more information, visit www.suzanneneville.com |
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