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| OUT NOW |
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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Lace style
Be inspired by one of this season's most romantic trends
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Statement headpieces
Show-stopping hair accessories for the big day
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In the spotlight
Local designer Jacqueline Doxey talks us through her most recent collection
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Back to black
Formal attire for fashionable grooms
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The etiquette guide
What to do, and when to do it
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Entertain in style
Top ideas to get the party started
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Venues in Leamington Spa, Warwick and Coventry
Some of the region's most picturesque
wedding settings
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Local luxury
Enjoy a mini-moon in one of the West
Midland's hotel hotspots
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 27th January 2012 |
| Cool Britannia |
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| Image provided by The Barbers |
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Rock 'n' roll details gave Abbie and Steven's winter wedding a contemporary edge
Where it all began
Abbie had no idea that, after finishing a bottle of tequila with a friend and signing herself up to a dating website, she was about to meet the love of her life and future husband. In fact, it wasn't until she logged into her emails the following morning that she remembered what she had done.
"I had lots of messages in my inbox and started chatting to Steven," she recalls. "We arranged to meet, and as soon as he turned up wearing a t-shirt with 'I Love Disappointment' on it, I pretty much knew he was the one for me there and then. I think he felt the same when I produced the new iPod touch from my handbag - he's kind of a geek," she laughs.
An impatient romantic
Despite planning to propose to Abbie on her birthday, Steven admits once he had the ring in his clutches, he just couldn't wait to pop the question. "Initially I was going to propose in an expensive restaurant, but Abbie's birthday was three weeks away and I just couldn't wait that long," he says. "I then decided to move it forward to the following weekend when we had plans to go on a romantic picnic, but again, I just couldn't wait that long. "Impulsively, Steven asked Abbie to marry him when the subject of marriage came up one Friday evening and, much to Abbie's surprise, he pulled a stunning white gold vintage art deco ring from his underwear drawer where it had been hidden all along.
Setting the scene
With their hearts set on a winter wedding, the couple chose the Victorian Brownsover Hall as their setting. "We fell in love with the rich interiors and gothic architecture, and knew straight away it was the perfect venue for us,"
recalls Abbie. "We gave the day a winter-inspired palette, with white and pale blue being the main colour scheme."
To read on turn to page 28 of the current issue. |
| Party in style |
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Be inspired by these wonderful ways to wow your guests
All the fun of the fair
Sometimes the simplest forms of entertainment can be the most fun, and nothing will get guests in the party mood more than carnival-inspired games and activities. Make the most of the outdoor space at your venue by filling it with traditional fairground stalls such as a coconut shy and hoopla stand, a carousel, helter skelter and giant garden games. You could even let your guests enjoy tasty treats with an ice cream cart and popcorn and candyfloss stands.
If you like this, you'll love...
Ice Trikes West Midlands offers a range of traditional 1920s-style ice cream and hot dog carts.
For more information, visit www.icetrikeswestmidlands.co.uk
For more entertainment ideas turn to page 87 of the current issue. |
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| 'Tis the season to be inspired |
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While some couples know exactly how they want their wedding day to be, and never waver from that vision, others have absolutely no idea where to start. And with the festive season well and truly upon us, I expect many newly engaged couples will be in the latter category as they start the New Year.
Whichever camp you fall into, we've got lots of local talent to inspire you this issue. On page 35, Birmingham-based hair accessory designer, Natasha Jane, teamed up with other wedding suppliers in the region to put together a stunning vintage lace-themed shoot in the Victorian surroundings of the Birmingham Council House. We also meet Warwickshire-based designer Jacqueline Doxey, who discusses the inspiration behind her newest bridalwear collection, and on page 70 we delve into the archives of some of the finest photographers in the region to see what they've been shooting throughout 2011. I'm sure their work will give you some great ideas for your own wedding album.
Earlier this year, I also had the opportunity to stay at one of the West Midlands' most popular and picturesque wedding venues, Hogarths Hotel in Dorridge, and I have to admit my experience was about as peaceful as it gets. The first few nights together as Mr and Mrs is an exciting time and this romantic setting makes a great first-night hotel or mini-moon escape. Read all about my stay on page 105.
Enjoy,
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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 videography package worth £800 |
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The big day is sure to fly by so quickly, you'll be surprised at just how much of it you'll miss. Having your wedding captured on film, however, will ensure you get to experience all the key parts, including those one-off moments you didn't even know existed. It also provides the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family after the event and reminisce about the day.
Castle View Productions is a professional videography company based in Staffordshire which specialises in filming weddings in an unobtrusive manner. As a member of the Institute of Videographers and a registered member of The Guild of Videographers, the company offers a respected service and a range of packages to suit all budgets. For more information, or to see samples of the team's work, call 07961 829 518 or visit www.castleviewproductions.co.uk
We've teamed up with Castle View Productions to offer readers the chance to win a fabulous videography package worth £800. The prize includes a pre-wedding shoot in a location of the couple's choice, plus all-day coverage of the wedding with the help of two camera operators, who will film everything from the bride and groom getting ready, to the arrival of guests, the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebrations. Guests will also have the opportunity to record their well-wishes to the happy couple on camera throughout the day. After the wedding, the lucky winners will receive their film on three DVDs beautifully packaged in white presentation cases. |
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| Enter here |
| Vintage photography haven |
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The fabulous Maria Lynne Photography has opened a brand new studio in Birmingham. The intimate art deco-inspired setting, located on Calthorpe Road, is the ideal spot for couples to view the company's photography and discuss ideas for their wedding, as well as indulge in one of the latest photography trends - a bridal boudoir shoot.
Owner and photographer, Lynne Norledge, has been interested in boudoir photography ever since she had her own shoot almost four years ago. "It was amazing, and I was made to feel relaxed and at ease," she recalls. "I know the emotions my clients are going through when they are in front of me, so I know how to interact with them and I know what works when it comes to posing. Within minutes the inhibitions are gone and we have lots of fun."
Each boudoir shoot comes with the services of a professional hair and make-up artist. To make an appointment, or to see more of Lynne's wedding and boudoir photography, visit the website www.marialynnephotography.co.uk |
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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... |
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| Ooh la lace |
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| Image provided by www.cymbeline.com |
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The moment the nation switched on their televisions to see Catherine Middleton step out in her stunning Sarah Burton gown, bridalwear designers all around the world knew that lace would be a hit for 2012. The following month, they were already showcasing their own take on the trend, with many teaming butterfly, three-quarter-length or full-length lace sleeves with simple silk dupion or taffeta gowns.
And while designers such as Alan Hannah, Ian Stuart and Johanna Hehir have been experimenting with French Chantilly lace overlays, if an all-over lace gown isn't for you, another great way to incorporate this romantic trend into your look is in the form of a bolero or veil. The Vintage Wedding Dress company recently showed off some stunning accessories on the runway, with a selection of scalloped-edged veils and pretty lace sashes.
To read on see page 43 of the current issue. |
| Q&A Fashion & Beauty |
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Flatter my curves
Q - I'm fairly top-heavy and have always been self-conscious about my chest. I'd love to wear a gown that flatters my shape, rather than one that draws attention to my problem areas, and I'd particularly like to make the most of my slim waist. What dress styles do you think I should try?
A - Charlotte Balbier says: Firstly, I would recommend wearing a gown that has straps, as these will give you the extra support you need and a little reassurance throughout the day. There are lots of gowns available with beautiful straps and they can be a really lovely addition to the gown. Secondly, show off your slim waist in a tight corset-style bodice with a slightly dropped waist line, such as this one called Lavender from my new collection (pictured). This style of bodice will enhance your natural waist, while an A-line skirt will balance out your bottom half to give you an hourglass shape. |
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