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| OUT NOW |
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Brides bulletin
Catch up on wedding news from around the region
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Real weddings
Be inspired by other brides and grooms
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The new trends
New season styles straight off the catwalk
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Baby, it's cold outside
Perfect accessories for a glam winter look
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Get waisted
Wow-factor waistcoats to complete
the look
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The groom's view
TOWIE's Arg talks weddings
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Designer in the spotlight
Headpiece designer Natasha Jane
reveals the inspiration behind her work
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Home brew
How local wine can add a personal touch to the big day
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In South Birmingham, Redditch & Bromsgrove
Top spots to tie the knot in the region
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Storybook settings
Be inspired by your favourite novel
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Planet Dubai
Adventure and romance await you in the city of the future
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 30th March 2012 |
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| A wild romance |
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| Image provided by Steve Gerrard Photography |
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A love of literature and seasonal blooms gave Rhiannon and Jack's wedding a traditional English twist
Where it all began
Rhiannon first laid eyes on fellow English teacher Jack when he came to work at the same school in 2008. "It's such a cliche to say, but I think I loved him from the moment I saw him sitting in the staff room, his nose in a book like always," she recalls. "In my opinion, he embodies what a true gentleman should be: witty, intelligent and thoughtful."
The proposal came in the spring of 2010, when the couple spent a week in New York renting a penthouse apartment. Jack decided to hang on to the stunning diamond and sapphire ring until the last night of their trip, when he took Rhiannon for a carriage ride through Central Park.
"Jack was beginning to look greyer by the minute," laughs Rhiannon. "But he eventually asked me and, after much mouth-gaping I, of course, accepted. The carriage driver dropped us off outside the Plaza, where we drank champagne while looking out over Fifth Avenue. We finished the evening in ESPN Zone in Times Square with beer and fried chicken."
Setting the scene
The couple visited Packington Moor just a week after getting engaged and knew straight away it was the venue for them. "We wanted a setting that was relaxed, almost rustic, and one that would naturally look good without having to dress it up too much," says Rhiannon. "Packington Moor is a working farm with the most stunning scenery, a farm shop and even a honeymoon cottage."
With their dream venue in the bag, the couple began planning a day inspired by the surrounding countryside, with mismatched vintage details and plenty of wild blooms. "We both love nature and knew we wanted naturally grown flowers that would be in season," adds Rhiannon. "I stumbled across The Traditional Flower Company at a wedding fair in Birmingham and discovered the owner, Sam, grows everything herself. The best part is, you get to visit her farm in Staffordshire and walk amongst the beautiful paddocks to choose your own flowers; it's a real hands-on approach."
As a result, the couple chose an eclectic mix of wild flowers and herbs for the bouquets and decor, including blue hydrangea and lavender displayed in vintage crockery.
To read on see page 28 of the current issue. |
| Hey, snappy dresser |
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| Image provided by Clements & Church |
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Don't let your bride down on the big day, get suited and booted with our expert advice
While all eyes will inevitably be on your bride, she will be looking at you, which is why it's important to do her proud on the big day - a crumpled shirt and scuffed shoes just won't cut the mustard. But while she may have been thinking about her outfit from the moment she said 'yes', 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 modern grooms, as Aaron John, designer and tailor at the award-winning Clements & Church suggests:
Getting started
"Most contemporary weddings will follow a theme or colour scheme, and this is an excellent starting point for grooms," says Aaron. "However, keep in mind that while it should provide direction in terms of colour and suit type, it shouldn't overshadow your personal style."
So, while a traditional affair may call for a top hat and tails, grooms having a modern ceremony might opt for a more relaxed lounge or smart dinner suit and clever use of accessories can bring the look together. "Some companies even offer a bespoke service which allows specific colours, such as those of the bridesmaids' dresses, to be reproduced on a tie," adds Aaron.
To read on see page 99 of the current issue. |
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| New season, new ideas |
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I can't help but always be on the lookout for the hottest wedding trends, be it the latest bridal looks, new and exciting floral inspiration or quirky themes and colour schemes. I'm constantly scouting the catwalks for the newest bridalwear talent and
chatting to wedding planners about the weddings they've been coordinating of late - it is my job after all. But, more often than not, I find the biggest inspiration of all is you - our wonderful readers.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I couldn't agree more. Lots of you are keen to get in touch to share ideas on how to achieve the wedding you want on a budget and to inspire other readers with your ideas, which is why we've included three real weddings for you this issue, all very different in their own way. While Elizabeth and Noel enjoyed a relaxed wedding in a friend's back garden, Nell and Ben's winter nuptials took place in a stately home. Meanwhile, literature-lovers Rhiannon and Jack enjoyed a day filled with brightly coloured blooms - I hope you enjoy swooning over their fabulous photography as much as I did.
Enjoy!
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| Danielle Wilkins, Editor |
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| Make sure you email editor@yourwestmidlandswedding.com to keep us up to date with all your news |
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| Win your wedding photography worth £1,000 |
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Ensure you have romantic, everlasting photos of your big day with a package courtesy of Katherine Evans Photography
Birmingham-based photographer Kate Evans specialises in capturing stunning vintage-inspired images. As well as photographing children and family portraits, Kate also focuses on wedding and engagement photography, which she captures in a personal, discreet and relaxed manner.
"I consider it a huge privilege to be asked to photograph such a special day and I work with couples' ideas, whether they want something formal and traditional or contemporary and artistic," she says. "I will never tell anybody `it's not my style' and I will always make them feel as comfortable as possible."
And for couples who want to inject a bit of retro fun into their day, Kate also offers an affordable vintage photo booth service complete with picture frames, chalkboards and dressing-up props. Not only does it offer a fabulous alternative to a traditional guest book, but it adds to the party atmosphere and couples will love having fun snaps to remember the day by.
For more information about Katherine Evans Photography, call Kate on 0845 680 4634 or visit www.happyhappyphoto.co.uk
We've teamed up with Katherine Evans Photography to offers readers the chance to win their wedding photography for the big day, worth £1,000. The prize will include:
- Unlimited coverage of the day from the moment you begin getting ready through to when the guests leave at the end of the evening.
- A password-protected online gallery to view your photographs, order prints and share with friends and family.
- A hardcover coffee table album with slip cover and slide-in case containing 20 images of your choice.
- A DVD containing all the high resolution images from your online gallery.
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| Enter here |
| Hot topic: Keeping it personal |
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| Image provided by Sugarbliss Cake Company |
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Made with love
Q Our wedding is in seven months and we've yet to organise a cake. How can we add a personal stamp on to the design?
A Nyree Rahman says: Start by looking at your cake maker's portfolio and be inspired by designs they have created for previous weddings. You could use these designs as a base but match the details to your own colour scheme. Another popular idea is to match the piping on the cake to that of the bride's dress. This can look stunning, particularly if you're opting to wear an intricate lace gown.
Many wedding cakes are decorated with silk or iced flowers and these can be made to match the blooms in your bouquet and centrepieces. You could also opt for fresh flowers, but these may need to be ordered from your florist. Alternatively, why not decorate the top of the cake with personalised cake toppers, a monogram of your initials or a family heirloom that means something to both of you?
You can find inspiration for your cake from almost anywhere. When you visit your cake maker for a consultation, take along magazine cuttings, flowers and fabrics and they should be able to sketch a design to suit. |
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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.com 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... |
| Blue crush |
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It was love at first cupcake the moment we tried one of the Blue Door Bakery's delicious creations. And now, brides-to-be around the region have the opportunity to learn how to make their own - the Blue Door Bakery way.
The company now offers cake and cupcake baking and decorating classes in its brand new purpose-built studio in Hagley. Ideal for those who are considering baking some treats for the big day, or as a fun alternative hen party, owner Sarah Barnes and her team are on hand to inspire with delicious recipes and decorating tips.
There is a range of classes available, featuring everything from vintage-inspired cupcakes to on-trend cake pops and miniatures. For more information about class dates, prices and availability, call 01562 228 232 or visit the website www.bluedoorbakery.co.uk |
| Is this the bride? |
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With Vera Wang's latest collection having a distinctly gothic palette, non-white dresses are officially en vogue. But will you still feel like a bride if you go to the dark side?
Catwalk-side trend-spotters watched bug-eyed as models paraded Vera Wang's latest collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week. The creations, as always, bore the designer's mark of excellence. They were romantic, elegant and beautifully made with the most luxurious fabrics.
They were everything a bride would expect from Wang, the wedding dress fairy godmother to thousands of contemporary Cinderellas. But this time they were black. And if Wang is stepping away from white, it is almost certain other fashion houses will follow her lead.
Indeed she is not the only designer dismantling the traditional bridal palette this season - the UK's own Vivienne Westwood has created ripples with her formidable scarlet wedding dresses.
But while colour may be the latest way to make a statement, there are many things to consider before turning your back on white.
To read on see page 39 of the current issue. |
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