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| New Issue OUT NOW |
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Inspiration
Ideas on how to add that 'something blue'
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Letters
Readers share their stories
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Competition
Win a 'hair holiday' worth over £800
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Tried and tested
Our team members give their hair the deep conditioning treatment
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Tickle those tastebuds
Seasonal wedding menus
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Precious paradise
Rowena shares the Far East's best kept secret...the Palawan Islands
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| Plus... |
| Regular features, news, events, Q&A special - and much more |
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| Next Issue Out |
| 30 July 2010 |
| Precious paradise |
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The Palawan islands are the Philippines' last frontier and the Far East's best kept secret. Rowena Marella-Daw discovers why this piece of heaven is worth keeping to yourself.
There are two types of travellers: those who play safe and follow the familiar route, and those who prefer to explore the lesser trodden path. If you're the latter, then the islands of Palawan in the Philippines have some surprises in store. Of the 7,107 islands that make up the archipelago, the province of Palawan takes the lion's share in terms of exceptional beauty and biodiversity. In fact, in the November-December 2007 issue of National Geographic Traveler, an independent panel gave Palawan the highest score among island destinations in east and southeast Asia, beating more popular destinations such as Bali, Lombok and Phuket.
Considered the country's final frontier, Palawan is protected by the Sulu Sea to the east and the South China Sea to the west. Its many limestone cliffs cradle deserted white sand coves, tranquil lagoons and mangroves, while beneath its emerald waters, coral reefs teem with life. On land, dramatic landscapes provide the perfect habitat for endemic species such as the swiftlet, Palawan hornbill, peacock pheasant, bearcat, and the anteater.
For more information on the Palawan Islands, see pages 84-87 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.yourmanchesterwedding.co.uk or call us on 01376 514000 |
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| Then and now |
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This issue we're getting back to basics as Lisa Morgan takes a look at the practicalities of getting wed - a must-read for anyone with a new ring on their fourth finger.
Elsewhere, Bolton and Bury find themselves in our venues spotlight, while couples looking for a non-stop celebration before collapsing into bed might want to consider one of the hotels highlighted on page 21.
This issue also sees our first contenders for the wedding of the year title. So take a look at page 36 then get online and register your vote.
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| Emma Cant, Editor |
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| Make sure your email editor@yourmanchesterwedding.co.uk to keep us up to date with all your news |
| Win a weekend 'hair holiday' |
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Give your locks some much-needed pampering before the big day, with a break in The Cotswolds courtesy of celebrity hairstylist Stuart Holmes.
Top hairstylist Stuart Holmes relocated from London to Cheltenham in 2003, where he established his luxurious hair and beauty salon with his wife Sara. After the move, many of his clients started to regularly travel from London for their appointments so Stuart decided to team up with two of the area's most exclusive hotels to launch the Hair Holiday package. This enables clients to make a relaxing weekend of having their hair done and enjoying some pampering too. Over the past six years the Stuart Holmes Hair and Beauty Spa has gone from strength to strength and now employs 20 professional staff.
For more information about Stuart Holmes and the Hair Holiday packages, visit www.stuartholmeshairholiday.co.uk |
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| Enter here |
| Tickle those taste buds |
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Whether the wedding is on a warm summer's day or a chilly glistening winter's afternoon, the catering should be mouthwatering. Two catering experts share their advice...
Sumptuous summer dining
Mmmmm, where to start? Fresh barbecued fish, all you-caneat buffets, strawberries and cream, afternoon tea and cake, the choices are endless. First things first: Is the wedding breakfast taking place inside or out? John Hearn, executive chef of Tapenade, has some suggestions for summer celebrations.
"Summer weddings lend themselves to more informal dining. Many couples choose not to have a traditional sit down meal when it is hot, so more relaxed dining experiences such as buffets, barbecues or hog roasts are becoming increasingly popular. This way, guests have the freedom to move around and mingle or to eat at their table. The additional advantage is that these options can cater for large numbers on a relatively small budget."
"The key is to include a good mix of meat, fish and vegetarian options to accommodate everyone. If there are a lot of vegetarian guests, then a buffet or barbecue offers more flexibility than a hog roast. If guests don't eat fish, then why not consider roasted pepper and haloumi cheese kebabs?"
To see more, see pages 42 & 43 of the current issue.
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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... |
| Something blue |
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For an alternative spring/summer look, forget pink and opt for something blue, says Laura Binder.
There's definitely a certain je ne sais quoi about using blue hues as a colour scheme for spring or summer wedding dates. In fact when it comes to achieving the perfect look, the options are endless: from dark midnight tones for a deeply romantic evening reception, navy for a classic finish, peacock blue for a touch of drama, or baby blue for light and breezy spring days - the sky's the limit. But, why stick to one shade?
One of my favourite looks for the season is to combine contrasting shades of blue with bright white. The result looks wonderful against a countryside setting, and super chic amid the surroundings of an urban venue. To achieve a real country feel, I say go wild with a multitude of flowers, such as bluebells, forget-me-nots, lavender and delightfully soft hydrangea. Place them in patterned porcelain jugs or vases and you'll have a natural and pretty look that's ideal for receptions in the great outdoors. For a modern edge simply ask your florist to create more compact displays, such as round bunches of hydrangea.
For more tips on creating the perfect blue colour scheme, see page 35 of the current issue. |
| A Bollywood romance |
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Sean and Abigail had an exciting mix of castles, colours and Indian summers for their wedding day.
Persistence paid off for Sean Mcdonald, 37. He wooed Abigail Bentley, 27, by going in to her work every Friday morning for a whole six months. "I owned a hairdressing salon in Alderley Edge, which Sean always drove past on his way to work. One day he finally came in," says Abigail. "For months Sean would have coffee with me. He kept coming back, and I kept making him drinks, although I did make him wait six months for our first kiss."
I'd always said I'd get married in a castle, and then we found Peckforton Castle in Cheshire. It is a breathtaking venue, completely magical and looks like something from a fairytale. The staff at the castle were fantastic; they put us at ease, and made me feel that I was the most important bride on their calendar.
I wanted to feel like myself on the wedding day, so I did my own make -up and my friend Holly, who I have worked with a lot in the past, did my hair. I knew I didn't want a tiara, as this seems to be the norm now with brides, so I chose a tiny crown instead.
For more information and pictures of Sean and Abigail's big day, see pages 26-29 of the current issue. |
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