brides-abroad-issue-6 - The Bridal Consultant

Transcription

BRIDES ABROAD
WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS
Issue 6
150
Happy
Hens
Fab treats
Gorgeous
Accessories
For destination weddngs!
for you and
the girls
Jewellery, gowns, shoes
tiaras & more
WEDDINGS
AFLOAT
Tie the knot on board
Cruise ships, barges,
luxury yachts, star clippers,
power boats
Idyllic
Honeymoons
Barbados, Bali, Mauritius,
St Lucia, Africa, Italy, Goa
Ice Weddings
Chilled chapels, frosty receptions,
ICE hotels, cosy igloos, Arctic sleigh rides
Latin
32
Tango up the aisle!
SPECIAL
America
SAVE £10,000 on honeymoons!
Maldives, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Greek Islands
www.BridesAbroad.tv
PAGE
MALTA
£3.99
Steamy
9 772045 870009
06
Welcome
Credits
Published by
Joint Venture Media
5-7 The Shambles
Wetherby
LS22 6NG
Tel: 01937 58 58 00
Fax: 01937 58 28 00
Publisher
Martin Cody-Owen
[email protected]
Editor-in-Chief
Terri Cody-Owen
[email protected]
Congratulations
Congratulations!
I know it’s a cliche, but springtime always puts a spring in everyone’s step!
It’s a time for clearing out the old and in with the new - a time to look forward to a brighter future. No
wonder it’s the most popular season for marriage proposals. Love is definitely in the air!
If you are newly engaged and planning your future together, why not get married somewhere really
special, and say: “I do” in the sun? No more worries about wedding day weather blues. Instead
simply jet off to sunnier climes and let your resort’s expert wedding coordinators take care of
everything. The world’s your oyster – there are so many fab resorts that will be delighted to hold
your hand throughout, to make your wedding totally blissful and stress-free.
In this issue we take a good look at the perennial favourite – Malta. With warm springs and hot
summers, this English-speaking island is always popular (p115). Or why not really push the boat
out and celebrate your marriage afloat a luxury cruise ship or even a rustic barge? (p76)
Or maybe you’d prefer the ultimate ‘chilled’ wedding high in the Alps, or north of the Arctic
Circle. Check out our icy locations feature (p68). Perhaps you prefer to turn up the heat for the
steamy pleasures of Latin America with a red hot wedding and a tango for your First Dance.
Olé! (p88).
If you are looking for inspiration, read the real life experiences of our Real Wedding couples as they
tie the knot in Italy (p10), Croatia (p28), New York (p40) and Barbados (p56).
Brides Abroad always has fantastic wedding and honeymoon bargains in breathtaking locations
so check our special offers on p108 and save thousands of pounds! Wherever you fancy in the
world, always give us a call before you book on 01937 585800 for our latest honeymoon deals.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Have a fantastic BIG DAY wherever in the world you choose! !
Assistant Editor
Victoria Ballantyne
Assistant to Publisher
Patsy Owen
Contributors
Jane Harrison
Andrew Collier
Effie Kanya
Juliette Somersgill
Editorial Assistant
Sundeep Kullar
Photography
Dreamstime
Tomi Kriste
Marco Miglianti
Trix Rosen
Christina Brosnan
Lida Titova
Design
Chris Peach
Centrical Solutions
www.centricalsolutions.com
Printer
Stephens and George Print Group
www.stephensandgeorge.co.uk
Advertising Sales
Joint Venture Media
Sylvia Oakley
01937 585800
[email protected]
Pelusa
020 8406 0820
Mike Murray
[email protected]
Ben David
[email protected]
Terri Cody-Owen
Editor
Brides Abroad
[email protected]
To Subscribe to Brides Abroad for just £22 for 6 issues, email [email protected]
www.BridesAbroad.tv
www.BridesAbroad.tv
©Joint Venture Media. All material in this publication is strictly copyright and
all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The
views expressed in Brides Abroad magazine do not necessarily represent the
views of Joint Venture Media. Every care is taken in compiling the contents
but the publisher of Brides Abroad magazine assume no responsibility for any
damage, loss or injury arising from participation in any offer, competition or
advertisement contained within Brides Abroad magazine.
Cover
Photograph of a wedding at
Waldorf Astoria Maldives
www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com
For advertising and sponsorship call:
Martin Cody-Owen on 01937 58 58 00
or email [email protected]
DESIGNER WEDDING DRESSES MADE TO MEASURE IN ITALY
81 Ebury Street London SW1 020 7901 9020 www.lesposedijo.com
Contents
10
In this issue
News
20
Hot news and ideas for weddings
and honeymoons
112
Happy hens
Fab ideas for pre-wedding bonding
with the girls
REAL WEDDINGS
10 Love in the olive groves
Mike and Margherita’s stylish wedding in Italy
28
34
Vintage vows in Old Town
Dubrovnik is the gorgeous setting for Kate
and Anthony’s nuptials
Sweet music in France
Violinist Ciara marries Rian in a rustic
Vineyard celebration
40 They love New York
Their wedding marks Helen and James’ love
affair with the Big Apple
50
Bliss in Barbados
Joanne and Simon’s family celebration on a
beautiful Barbados beach.
82 Love on a tall ship
28
Married at sea! Ineke and Jan say ‘I do’
aboard a star clipper
82
SUBSCRIBE
Six issues
FOR ONLY £18.00
Worth £23.94 inc FREE P&P
www.BridesAbroad.tv/subrcibe
www.BridesAbroad.tv 7
68
WEDDING
DESTINATIONS
46 Mauritius - paradise found!
Why this island gem in the Indian Ocean is idyllic
for weddings
56
Beautiful Barbados
62
68
8 Wow weddings
75
76
Get the look - ice weddings
The glamorous Caribbean island where you’ll
feel like a star
Amazing places to say “I do” in style
Let it snow
From the Northern Lights in Iceland to
spectacular mountain peaks. Check out our
glorious icy white weddings!
Cool looks for chilled brides
7 Weddings on the water
Float away on cloud nine as you exchange
vows on the water
115 Malta Special
PLANNING
98 Weather permitting
102 Wedding countdown
Your worldwide weather guide
75
104
Month-by-month planning for your
wedding abroad
104 Pop the Question
Your questions answered by expert
wedding planners
107 Ask the experts
Tips and advice from Lisa Burton of the
Bridal Consultancy
HONEYMOONS
5
88 Latin American hotspots
108 Special offers
Get hot and steamy in sultry Latin America
Save £10,000 on honeymoons in the
world’s most romantic destinations
76
8 www.BridesAbroad.tv
88
RealWEDDINGS
10 wwwBridesAbroad.tv
Love in the
olive groves
Mike and Margherita’s traditionally Tuscan nuptials
F
or Margherita Razza it was love at
first sight when she began working
with her new line manager Mike
Murray.
Four years later the couple, from Crystal
Palace in London, were exchanging vows in
the Tuscan sunshine in a rustically romantic
Italian wedding.
Finding ‘the one’
Mike and I met at work. He was my line
manager. It was love at first sight for me, but
he had a girlfriend when we first met so we
were friends at the time. We both left our
first place of work and met up randomly four
years later for a drink. I think we both knew
from our first date that we were going to stay
together!
The proposal
He proposed on my birthday at Cullinghood
Equestrian Farm in Pangbourne. It was
amazing. He arranged a birthday morning horse
ride, which I loved and when I came home he
had decorated the cottage that we were staying
in with yellow rose petals which led from the
door up some stairs and he was waiting on one
knee at the top with a ring! It was completely
unexpected – even when I saw the rose petals
I thought that he had just gone over the top for
my birthday!
Location, location
We were engaged 18 months – which at the
time seemed like a very long time, but it went
really quickly and I enjoyed every minute of
the planning. We both decided quickly that
we wanted to get married in Italy, somewhere
we both loved. We chose to get married
in Tuscany as we’d been there before
many times and love the region. It’s such
a romantic place – and the food and wine
is fantastic. We wanted a venue that had a
proper rustic Italian feel to it.
The planning
We used a wedding planner to help
us organise the big day. After
meeting and speaking to a number of
different people and companies we decided
to use Sara from Infinity Weddings Events.
She was by far the most helpful, she really
understood what we were looking for and
was so enthusiastic about the planning. The
entire three days were planned before we
arrived by Sara and her business partner
Barbara.
…and the guests?
We had 80 guests in total who flew
out to Italy for three nights. We all
stayed at our wedding venue, Villa Catignano
in Siena. It was perfect and large enough so
we could have all our guests stay with us
for the full three nights and we could stretch
out our wedding celebrations. Unfortunately
there were a few guests that were unable
to make it – but we were lucky enough that
the majority of our friends and family could
join us.
Getting the look
My dress was by Jenny Packham, which I
bought from Miss Bush in Ripley, Surrey. The
dress was light and floaty which fitted with
our Italian theme. I had a full length crystal
veil by Richard Designs, beautiful earrings by
Jenny Packham and a Swarovski Crystal hair
band by Polly Edwards. My big extravagance
were my Christian Laboutin shoes! I did
my own make-up but my aunt, who is a
hairdresser, did a fabulous job of putting my
hair up.
Something old, something new, something
borrowed, something blue. My something
old was my grandads handkerchief that I
pinned to my bouquet; something new was
my dress; I borrowed a beautiful
bracelet from a friend and the innersoles of my
shoes were my something blue.
Groom & bridesmaids
Mike had his suit hand made by A Suit That
Fits (www.asuitthatfits.com). It was a grey
mohair three piece, with a handmade shirt and
Jeffery West shoes. The bridesmaids all wore
yellow strapless Karen Millen dresses, and the
two flower girls wore ivory dresses from John
Lewis.
The details
Our theme was rustic Italian with yellow
and cream colours. We used olive groves,
vineyards and lemon trees to create the perfect
atmosphere. I was not fussy with my flowers
so they were a surprise when they turned up
on the day. My only brief to the florist was that
they should be a mix of yellow and ivory and
not too formal. Our wedding cake was to die
for! It was
a typical italian wedding cake – millefoglie
with berries.
Photographic memories
Our photography was done by an italian
photographer, Marco Miglianti. We had three
photographers and a videographer, as they
specialise in reportage style photographs –
which meant we had some amazing natural
shots which really capture the atmosphere
of the day. My favourite photo is one of Mike
and I walking through the streets of Siena after
our ceremony. We are both walking hand in
hand, looking very relaxed. It is such a unique
picture and shows the beautiful streets of
Siena.
The ceremony
The ceremony took place in Siena town hall.
It was right in the centre of Siena in the Palazzo
Publicco, which is the main square. The
building was beautiful and the wedding room
was decorated with beautifully
restored frescoes. The ceremony was a
civil ceremony so it only lasted about 20
minutes. We personalised it with three readings
and music by a violin and viola.
My brother gave me away and he did a great
job. I think he was as nervous as I was walking
down the aisle.
The reception
The reception was back at Villa Catignano
where we were all staying. It was the perfect
setting for a Tuscan wedding, with a cocktail
reception out in the garden with amazing
views, followed by the wedding breakfast in a
typical Tuscan wedding room.
All our catering was done by Infinity Weddings
Events preferred caterer, Infinity Ricevimenti.
After a cocktail reception full of canapes, we
sat down to a meal of Parma ham and melon
to start, followed by pasta and pesto, then fillet
of beef with potatoes and our wedding cake
for dessert. For the decoration, our centre
pieces were a mix of fresh lemons, flowers and
candles which tied into the yellow and cream
colour theme. We made our menus and table
names out of left over wedding invitations
decorated with sprigs of olive.
For our first dance we chose ‘Happy Together’
by The Turtles. We did have a few lessons
beforehand just to put together a basic dance
routine. The evening’s entertainment went off
with a bang to an amazing two piece band –
Guty and Simone. They played a fantastic mix
of modern and old songs that we all danced
to until 2am!
Magic moments
The whole day was better than I ever could
have imagined. It is impossible to pick one
part that was better than any other. However
one of the funniest moments was the drive
from the ceremony: For our wedding car we
hired a vintage red convertible Alfa Romeo.
As it was a two seater my mum had to drive
me to the ceremony and Mike had to drive
us back. The funniest or perhaps most
embarrassing part though was Mike driving
down a one way street in Siena town centre
(as an old walled city with very narrow roads,
this is not a clever thing to do). A local man,
feeling sorry for us, did stop all the traffic and
walk us out of the walled part of the city!
And an almost disaster occurred when my
two-year-old nephew put his head through
some railing in Siena square and got it stuck!
He was screaming so much that we thought
we needed to call the fire brigade, but luckily
a clever local man came to our rescue and
helped him out!
The honeymoon
We had a two-night minimoon about an hours
drive away in a town called Montepulciano,
before flying to Bali for a two-week luxurious
trip of a lifetime. Our friends and family
stayed with us for another two days after
our wedding before we headed off to
Montepulciano, so we had the best of both
worlds.
Further information
Planning: Infinity Wedding Events
www.infinity-weddingsandevents.com
Catering: Infinity Ricevimenti
www.infinityricevimenti.it
Photographer: Marco Miglianti
www.marcomiglianti.it
Venue: Villa Catignano:
www.villacatignano.it
BRIDAL
Intricately detailed short and
tea length wedding dresses
for the modern bride
For your nearest store
please visit
www.tobihannahbridal.co.uk
Steal
Margherita’s
Style
Cherish diamante bracelet
by Ivory & Co, £75
www.crystalfrost.co.uk
Soft flowing fabrics
with delicate diamond
accessories set the scene
for Margherita’s majestic
wedding amidst the Italian
olive groves with a vibrant
dash of lemon to add a
tangy twist
Cherish diamante
earrings by Ivory & Co, £48
Cherish
diamante
necklace by
Ivory & Co, £160
Lemon bridesmaid
dress by Kelsey Rose
www.kelseyrose.co.uk
Bridal veil with diamante trim by Emmerling
www.lesliehatcherbridal.co.uk
Claudette
headdress by
Polly Edwards, £255
www.pollyedwards.com
Satin bridal shoes from
the Rainbow Couture
Collection
www.rainbowclub.co.uk
Dress by Romantica,
Style Queenie
www.romanticaofdevon.co.uk
Lemon shoes by
River Island
www.riverisland.com
Familymoon at
Jolly Beach
With couples now celebrating second marriages with
sons and daughters in tow, a new trend has emerged for
‘familymoons’, which includes children in both the wedding
and honeymoon plans. The Wedding Team at Antigua’s
gorgeous all-inclusive Jolly Beach Resort and Spa are
happy to arrange child-friendly wedding ceremonies and
familymoons. Sons under 18-years-old are allowed to be
best man and daughters can be flower girls or the maid of
honor. Children over 18 can fully participate in the wedding
and sign the register. Special sand ceremonies are also
offered to signify the joining together of the two families.
However, when the newlyweds want some privacy there
are endless activities to keep the children busy at the Kidz
Club and Jolly Teenz Club
Book it!
Through leading UK tour operators including Kuoni,
Hayes & Jarvis, Thomas Cook Signature and Thomson
Tailormade. Or log onto www.jollybeachresort.com.
BRIDES ABROADNEWS
Be inspired, informed and amazed by the latest news on
overseas weddings & honeymoons
Camp Africa
Get back to nature with an African Safari honeymoon – an increasingly popular way to
begin married life together. Couples who are wildlife enthusiasts need look no further
than Nomad Lamai Serengeti for the ultimate vantage point to view big game, animals
and birds in the African plains. The newly opened 12-room camp is ideally situated
to watch the Great Migration of buffalo and wildebeest in Tanzania from its unrivalled
position on the Kogakuria Kopjie looking out over the Lamai Wedge – and is one of
the best areas to maximise the chance of catching spectacular river crossings.
Book it!
Four nights at the Nomad Lamai Serengeti camp start from £3,580 per
person including flights, transfers, accommodation on an all-inclusive
basis, taxes and surcharges with honeymoon safari specialists Africa
Odyssey. www.africaodyssey.com
Tropical bargains!
If you are one of the many couples seeking winter sunshine weddings and honeymoons on a shoestring, long-haul specialist Tropical
Sky is offering fantastically-priced packages to a selection of far-flung destinations from January 2012 including Sri Lanka, Thailand
and Mauritius starting from just £889 per person with savings of up to £260 up for grabs! Visit Sri Lanka and stay at the Mermaid Hotel
& Club on the golden sands of Kalutara beach for just £889 per person, saving £230; stay 7 nights at the boutique Red Ginger Chic
Resort in Thailand from £899 per person or spoil yourself in Mauritius with an all-inclusive 7-night spa break at Le Palmiste Resort & Spa
in Trou Aux Biches from just £1,139 per person.
Book it!
To book any of these offers visit www.tropicalsky.co.uk/deals or telephone 0844 332 9349
A date to
remember at
Sandals
Book a wedding date that you and your
guests will never forget! Sandals Resorts is
offering betrothed couples the chance to
secure a memorable 12/12/12 wedding date,
which will be the last triple digit date until the
year 3001. With triple digit dates occurring
only 12 times every one thousand years, it is a
rare opportunity that just HAS to be snapped
up! The date 12/12/12 is set to be one of
the most favoured wedding dates ever at
Sandals and Beaches 14 Luxury Included®
all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Saint Lucia,
Antigua and the Bahamas, so book early to
secure this truly unforgettable date that even
the most forgetful spouse will remember!
Book it!
Sandals Resorts is offering a FREE themed
wedding package – the Beautiful Beginnings
Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart – with
stays of six nights or longer in any room
category, which means that you can marry
for as little as £2,138 per couple. A wedding
package, accommodation, return flights and
resort transfers are all included in the price.
www.sandals.co.uk
Propose in
St Lucia
Calling all British men wanting to propose to
their partner in style! Take her on a romantic
trip to St Lucia to pop the question, just like
‘Bachelor’ Gavin Harrison, who was recently
filmed in finals of the UK version of TV’s ‘The
Bachelor’ in St Lucia in his quest to find true
love. The luxurious Cap Maison boutique
resort and spa in St Lucia is offering the
unique Bachelor Proposal Package so that
loved-up British bachelors can win their partner’s hand in marriage in a totally romantic
setting. The package includes luxury accommodation in a villa suite and treats to win
her heart, including a private sunset cruise.
The highlight is a unique proposal stunt during a candlelit dinner on a private terrace
surrounded by the sea – on the bachelor’s
nod, the engagement ring with red roses and
champagne are sent down a zip line onto
the terrace from the Cliff at Cap restaurant
above. A stunt guaranteed to get a ‘yes’!
Book it!
Bachelor Package includes seven nights in the
signature Oceanview Villa Suite with private pool
and scenic helicopter transfer on arrival and
ground transfer on departure. Price from £5,615.
Call: +44 (0) 208 977 6099. www.capmaison.
com
Culinary secrets from the Maldives
The saying goes that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so cook him a delicious meal and he will love
you forever! Now newlyweds honeymooning at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa can learn how to rustle
up the 5* cuisine served in the hotel’s restaurants. The chefs at the resort are offering a ‘Cooking Class’ to teach
guests their cooking skills, from preparing signature dishes to tips for perfect BBQs. Participants can also dine with
the Executive Chef of Sheraton Maldives at the ‘Chef’s Table’ where he guides them through the special set menu.
Guests can also learn how create delicious cocktails with lessons from the skilled bar staff.
Book it!
To book visit www.sheraton.com/maldives
WWW.PRONOVIAS.CO.UK
LONDON FLAGSHIP STORE. 94, NEW BOND STREET · LONDON W1. PERSONAL APPOINTMENTS 0207 518 8470.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ON-LINE AT OUR PREMIUM DEALER STORES.
The Bridal
Coach
Brides, you can become an expert wedding
planner for your own wedding with the help
of The Bridal Coach, a four DVD set guide to
enable brides-to-be to have the wedding of their
dreams. Former catwalk model Michele Paradise
is a life coach and advisor on TV hits ‘The
Clothes Show’ and ‘Britain’s Next Top Model’ and
a recognised figure in the bridal industry. Michele
says: “Being a bride is like being a supermodel
for the day, only models have guidance and
experience and brides don’t. They only get one
shot at it!” Her DVD collection advises on all
aspects of being a bride from looking stunning,
standing with poise and staying calm to selecting
the right wedding dress for body shape, makeup tips and advice on the art of walking down the
aisle in supermodel style.
www.thebridalcoachdvd.com
Rice Butterflies the
new confetti
Ask your guests to shower you with pretty butterflies as a gorgeous
alternative to traditional confetti. Stunning Rice Butterflies are
beautifully packaged and eco-friendly and will give your wedding
photos the wow factor as they soar for up to eight seconds while
cameras capture the magic. Made from rice paper, rice grain and
rice glue only, they are biodegradable and available in five colours
(natural/white, red, blue, green and yellow) with approximately 125
butterflies per pack. The paper is all-weather safe so colours won’t
run. Available from www.ricebutterflies.co.uk where couples can
automatically send a message to their wedding guests requesting to
be showered by the beautiful Rice Butterflies,
so guests can buy them instead of confetti as a special treat.
A gift of love
Looking for a special gift for your groom to wear on his special
day? He will love the new wedding cufflinks by Heraldia,
the specialist men’s jewellery website, which offers design
custom-made jewellery, perfect for special occasions. We are
loving the latest cufflink designs with Mr and Mrs and “I” and
“Do” engravings. They are a cheeky fashion accessory for
grooms wanting to give their future wife a sign of assurance
on the big day! The cufflinks are made in a variety of different
styles, metals and engraving with prices starting from £57.20
for Sterling Silver. www.heraldia.co.uk.
Fit for a Bride
If you are a bride to be looking for the
perfect way to get fit, firm and fab for your
wedding day, want to drop a dress size for
a figure-hugging wedding dress, or simply
want a result-driven week of fitness, fun and
pampering with your hen party, then join a
Week Long Fit Camp at one of Champneys
spa resorts. The Fit Camp is ideal for
brides-to-be to either go it alone or for a
bonding week with her hens in which to
get healthy and embrace the elements of
a positive lifestyle, healthy eating, fitness
sessions and spa pampering ready for
the big day. The course offers challenging
fitness regimes each day for up to six hours
and advice on nutrition so that brides-tobe will leave Champneys feeling energised
and motivated to continue married life with
a new level of fitness and health. There’s
plenty of time for rest and relaxation too with
pampering spa treatments and dips in the
pool.
Book it!
Prices from £995 per person for Henlow and
Springs and £1195 per person for Forest Mere
and Tring and include accommodation, food
and beverages as well as the fit camp activity.
For details of availability and booking visit www.
champneys.com or call
0843 316 2222
Feel the Love
Whether you are looking for a magical place to propose, get married, have a blessing or dream honeymoon,
celebrate a special anniversary or simply spend time with your loved one, the W Retreat Koh Samui offers
the opportunity to escape it all for a romantic break at one of Thailand’s most beautiful locations. W Retreat
has just launched the new Feel the Love package for true romance in a tropical setting. Located on the idyllic north shore, the retreat’s Feel the Love package offers the chance to hide away in a private villa with its
own pool in loved-up luxury, bask in the sun on the beach, snorkel on the beautiful coral reefs or indulge in
couples treatments at the AWAY Spa. You are absolutely guaranteed to fall in love with each other all over
again.
Book it!
Book online: www.starwood-ap.com or call (960) 665 - 022
Goa - destination
of romance!
For couples looking for an idyllic winter-sun
honeymoon, Alila Diwa Goa has just launched
its Destination Romance package to pamper
and indulge newlyweds in tropical bliss. Set in
south Goa, Alila Diwa, a Design Hotels resort,
is a contemporary hotel, which is perfect for a
couple’s getaway. The Destination Romance
package includes: a bottle of champagne on
arrival; breakfast for two at the exclusive Diwa
Wing poolside restaurant Bistro; dining at Spice
Studio; a couples spa ritual and an excursion
with a picnic lunch in which couples can explore
the area and visit the local markets and spice
plantations.
Book it!
Elegant Resorts offers 7 nights B&B in a Terrace
Room, return flights with British Airways, internal
flights in India and transfers. Price from £1,495 per
person. Valid 6 Jan-31 Mar 2012.
www.elegantresorts.co.uk.
Nature’s fireworks
in Sicily
Looking for a honeymoon with an interesting twist? Luxury
honeymoon specialists Scott Dunn are offering an exciting
itinerary in Sicily, combining the culture of Taormina with the
lunar landscapes of the mysterious Aeolian Islands, culminating
in a spectacular natural firework display. The honeymoon
begins with a two-nights stay at the Grand Hotel Timeo in
Taormina, Sicily with views across the bay and Mount Etna.
From here they can explore Taormina’s shops and magnificent
Greek Amphitheatre. They then head to the Aeolian island of
Vulcano to stay at the stylish Therasia Resort. Honeymoon
highlights include: exploring Vulcano’s rocky coastline, black
sand beaches, hot springs and bubbling mud pools; taking
a boat trip to the island of Panarea with its clear blue waters
perfect for diving and snorkelling; and an evening climb
to the volcanic crater on Stromboli Island famous for its
spectacular ‘fireworks’ display - the only volcano in
Europe with permanently eruptive activity.
Book it!
Scott Dunn’s new Romance and Adventure in Sicily and Aeolian
Islands starts from £1,795 per person and includes two nights in
Taormina staying at the Hotel Timeo, seven nights at the Therasia
Resort in the Aeolian Islands with return flights and hydrofoil transfers.
www.scottdunn.com
Private Islands | Eco Lodges | Luxury Retreats | Spa Breaks | Diving | Boat Charters | Safari
Relax
[email protected] | Tel: +44 (0)1227 753180
Private Islands | Eco Lodges | Luxury Retreats | Spa Breaks | Diving | Safari
Explore
Pure
Tailor Made Adventures
[email protected] | Tel: +44 (0)1227 753181
RealWEDDINGS
Vintage Vows
in Old Town
Kate & Anthony’s rustic Croatian wedding
T
he heat was on when Kate
Allen from Birmingham, met her
fiancé Anthony Hickinbottom at
a friends BBQ – it wasn’t just the
hot dogs and hamburgers that sizzled –
love was definitely in the air! It wasn’t long
before the couple sealed their love with a
romantic wedding ceremony in the warm
Dubrovnik sunshine.
We met at a mutual friend’s BBQ one May
Bank holiday evening and it was definitely
love at first sight!
The proposal
Anthony’s proposal was totally unexpected
– he proposed in a beautiful wood in our
favourite park in Sutton Coldfield. He
traditionally got down on one knee and
asked me to spend the rest of my life with
him!
Location, location
We decided to marry in Dubrovnik for a
number of reasons, the first being that
when we visited the Old Town a few years
prior we stumbled into the church St
Ignatius and immediately fell in love with
the amazing interior! The second reason
was that the wedding of our dreams in
Dubrovnik was a fraction of the price we
would have paid in the UK! The reception
location was chosen purely on the photos
provided by our wedding planner.
Planning the big day
We booked our own flights and
accommodation but we used the most
amazing wedding planner Kristina from
Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings to plan our
special day.
Kristina our wedding planner went
above and beyond, ensuring we had the
wedding of our dreams! In fact her whole
team in Dubrovnik was incredible! We
built up a lovely relationship over email
before we departed the UK and when we
arrived Kristina could not have made us
more welcome! Her commitment to our
dream day was highlighted when she was
involved in a car accident on our wedding
day. We were blissfully unaware enjoying
our day when Paula her colleague advised
us of her accident, which occurred whilst
out buying more candles for the tables
as the original candles were starting to
melt in the sun. This didn’t keep her away
from her job and she came back from
the hospital to our reception to wish us
congratulations. Amazing!!
…And the guests?
We had 30 adult guests and three babies
at our wedding, who stayed at various
locations around the Old Town. Most of
our close family and friends were not put
off by having to travel abroad and used
the wedding as another excuse for a
holiday!!
Getting the look
My dress was simple yet elegant and ideal
for the warmer temperatures of Dubrovnik.
I didn’t want the typical ‘straight across
bandeau top’ type of dress so I chose
something with a bit more detail around
the neck, shoulders and back.
I bought my dress from Red Rose Design
in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield where they
had so much more choice for brides that
are looking for something a bit different!
The theme? Simple, elegant and romantic.
I love vintage so my headpiece was a
headband with a side detail of pearls
and diamonds in a 1940’s style, which
matched my earrings and bracelet. I
did my own make up but had the most
amazing hairdresser to perform his magic
on the day and I loved what he did!
RealWEDDINGS
Something old, something new?
Old? My beaded vintage bag (gift from my
maid of honour); new – wedding dress;
Something borrowed – earrings and
something blue – well my husband is a
massive Aston Villa fan so it was only right
that I wore an Aston Villa garter, which is
claret and blue! I am a Manchester United
fan so it was a ‘one off’ time that I would
wear the Villa colours!
Groomed to perfection
We tried to tie in the slight vintage theme
running through the wedding so Anthony
went for a classic pale grey suit with braces.
The bridesmaids
My gorgeous bridesmaids wore floor length
flowing dresses that again had more detail
on the back and were not the traditional
type of dress. I wanted their hairstyles to be
similar but with a slight difference in each
design. Again their jewellery was a mix of
pearls and diamonds.
Fine details
Our flowers were cream and pale pink roses
and our wedding cake was a beautiful fruit
pavlova, yummy!
The ceremony
Our ceremony was held at St Ignatius
church – the church I had fallen in love with
when we visited Dubrovnik Old Town on
holiday. The ceremony itself lasted about
half an hour, Father Peter Marco from
Dubrovnik married us and my father gave
me away.
The reception
We had a wonderful reception at The
Excelsior Hotel, just outside the Old Town
walls. Our guests tucked into a four-course
meal, which started with a chicken Caesar
salad, local Dalmatian ham and cheeses
and was followed by either sea bass and
risotto or lamb cutlets. For desert we had
a trio of Belgian chocolates! This was
probably the best meal I have ever had!
We had glass bowls of water with pebbles
from the beach and floating pale pink roses
to decorate the tables. The table runners
were pale pink too. We tried to link the
beautiful Croatian beaches into the décor
with writing guests names on the pebbles.
Our first dance was Ella Fitzgerald’s ‘Every
time we say goodbye’, but we didn’t lay on
any entertainment – unless you class my
lovely family entertaining us with their crazy
dancing! We had a DJ.
Picture perfect
Tomi, our wedding planner’s husband,
was our photographer and, along with his
videographer Micho, they did an amazing
job! We both love the black and white
shot of us in an archway in the walls of
Dubrovnik Old Town, as it resembles
the beauty of our day and the stunning
location!
Magic moments
The whole day was incredible – it would
be impossible to choose one single magic
moment, but the funniest memory was of
the men in my life dancing with ties round
their heads to Dire Straits ‘Money For
Nothing’!
The honeymoon
We spent a few days in Croatia after the
wedding celebrating with our friends and
family, but when we got home we went
to our favourite place in Cornwall for a
relaxing honeymoon break on our own.
On budget?
The whole wedding cost approximately
£8,000, which was right on budget!
Further information
Wedding planners: Kristina from
Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings Ltd.
www.dubrovnikluxuryweddings.com.
Photography: Tomi Kriste from
Dubrovnik Luxury Weddings
www.dubrovnikweddingphotographer.com
[email protected]
Location: The Excelsior Hotel, Dubrovnik
www.hotel-excelsior.hr
For stunning
wedding photographs
which capture the beauty
of your destination
wedding in Croatia
contact:
Tomi Kriste
Gornji Kono 56 b,
20 000 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Telephone:
+ 385 98 288 256
[email protected]
www.dubrovnikweddingphotographer.com
Steal
Sparkling Rose of Eternity
headband by Glitzy Secrets, £126
www.glitzysecrets.com
Kate’s
Style
Bridesmaid’s triple
link pearl necklace
with matching pearl
drop earrings by
June Ellen, £55.
Style Regina SKU 3028
Kate looks glamorous
in satin and diamonds perfect for sparkling against
rustic historical town
backdrops like Dubrovnik
Wedding veil by Vivien
Sherriff, style Robyn
www.viviensheriff.co.uk
Bridesmaid’s dress by
Romantica, style Nerys
Diamond and pearl drop earrings
by Purely Diamonds, £1,547
www.purelydiamonds.co.uk
Stunning floral
diamante headband
by Glitzy Secrets, £74
www.glitzysecrets.com
Bridal shoes by Linzi, £20
www.linzishoes.com
Wedding dress by
Romantica, Style Dominica
Bridesmaid’s shoes by
Rachel Simpson, Style Tallulah, £125
www.rachelsimpsonshoes.co.uk
Advertising Feature
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at Dubrovnik Sun Gardens
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Every occasion
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Experience breezy elegance in a legendary
setting, artfully combined with Mediterranean
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the Adriatic Sea and impeccable attention to
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meet all expectations. The resort’s wedding
events team will provide individualised
service and attention to detail to ensure that
your special day is perfect! Dubrovnik Sun
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gardens and conference facilities, including a
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wedding requests.
Facilities for soothing
relaxation
Resort facilities include an award winning
spa, a comprehensive sports centre with
three flood-lit clay tennis courts, indoor
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a variety on in-resort activities for that well
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Sublime spa
Dubrovnik Sun Gardens also features The
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a variety of treatments, Thalassotherapy Spa
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couples, traditional coal sauna, salt sauna,
hammam, aromatherapy steam room and
juice bar.
Further information
Na Moru 1, 20234 Orašac, Croatia
Phone: + 385 20 361 917
Fax + 385 (0)20 361 651
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.radissonblu.com/resortdubrovnik
Valentine’s Package
Dubrovnik
Sun Gardens
• Minimum stay is one
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• Sweet Surprise InRoom upon arrival
• Valentine’s Cabaret Gala Dinner
on Saturday February
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• Welcome Cocktail,
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• Cabaret-performance
by a Croatian Jazz
Singer Natalie Dizdar
• Petite Fours & local
brandies
• Room type/Bed type/
Smoking preference
confirmed
• Buffet breakfast, VAT
and applicable taxes
included
€130
per person
per night
Prices for 2 nights:
from €260 per couple per night
The package includes early check in and late check out,
plus free transfer to the Old Town of Dubrovnik during
prescheduled hours
Phone :+385 20 361 901
E-mail: reservations.dubrovnik@
radissonblu.com
RealWEDDINGS
France
Sweet music in
Ciara and Rian’s rustic vineyard wedding
W
When Ciara O’Halloran, a
violinist from Cork, Ireland
met engineer Rian O’Dwyer,
they realised that they were
in perfect harmony and soon headed off
to tie-the-knot in romantic rural France
Rian and I met in our third year of college.
Rian played trumpet in the college
orchestra I played in – I had actually known
him as an acquaintance for many years but
never got a chance to spend time with him
and get to know him properly.
The proposal
He proposed by the lakes of Killarney in
County Kerry, Ireland. I had just returned
from studying for my masters in Chicago
so we planned a weekend away in Kerry.
Rian booked a beautiful hotel overlooking
the lake and suggested a walk to the ruins
of a 12th century castle at the lake shore,
where he asked me to marry him. The
timing was certainly unexpected! I think we
both had known for quite some time that
it was the real deal but I hadn’t expected
a proposal anytime soon. I was totally and
utterly shocked but in spite of that said yes
straight away!
Location, location
We decided on an overseas wedding
because we wanted to give our guests
the opportunity to have a holiday in
addition to attending the wedding, and
ideally reduce costs. Also, I had played
at a lot of wedding venues in Ireland
as part of my string quartet so we liked
the idea of going somewhere that none
of us had been before. Rian came up
with the idea of having the wedding at a
vineyard in France, which we immediately
thought would be a lovely setting. I started
researching venues online. We wanted
somewhere convenient for our guests
to fly and somewhere that would have
accommodation on site for most of our
family. It was important for me to have it in
a relatively contemporary setting where we
could have the ceremony and reception
on the same site. I knew when I stumbled
upon Domaine Gayda online that it was
the perfect location for what we had in
mind.
Planning the big day
We got married 2 years and 8 months after
the proposal to give us plenty of time to
save for the wedding in full. We didn’t use
a wedding planner; we contacted
RealWEDDINGS
and worked with all the vendors directly.
We had visited the venue twice before the
big day, which allowed us to plan most
of the details in advance. We had a lot of
DIY elements, which were left until the few
days before the wedding. Rian drove over
three days before the ceremony with all our
décor supplies including the wedding cake.
We also decorated the venue and tables
ourselves the night before the wedding
with the help of our family and friends and
created the bouquets the day before the
wedding with the help of a lady at the local
flower market.
…And the guests
Around 50 guests travelled to spend
a few days with us. They all travelled
independently and made their own
arrangements – we let them know about
all the various travel routes and options
that were available and also recommended
different accommodation on a wedding
website that Rian created. We really
appreciated the number of guests who
made the effort to travel. However
unfortunately having the wedding abroad
did mean it was not possible for some of
our guests to attend.
Most of our family stayed in the gites on
site at Domaine Gayda. We had one other
house rented in the village for other family
members while the rest of our guests
stayed nearby in the city of Carcassonne.
It was about a 20-minute journey from
Carcassonne to the venue so we arranged
for a coach company to collect and return
all our guests to their accommodation on
the day of the wedding.
Getting the look
My wedding dress was handmade by
Ernest Perryman designs. I had no
particular theme - just knew I wanted
something slightly unusual with lace. Ernest
Perryman also made a stunning full-length
veil for me to wear. I accessorised that
with a pair of ivory Louboutins I sourced
on theoutnet.com. As my wedding dress
had quite decorative lace, I didn’t wear any
jewellery apart from my wedding rings. My
mum wore a gold locket that had belonged
to my great grandmother and it was nice
to have a bit of family history with us on the
day. I had my hair done in a local French
hairdressers and then had my make-up
done in a local beauty salon. I didn’t have a
chance to have a trial in advance so it was
a bit nerve wracking on the day trying to
convey what I wanted in French – but it all
worked out fine in the end!
Groom and bridesmaids
Rian wore a lovely charcoal grey three
piece suit with a white shirt and a pale grey
tie with pink, grey and ivory polkadots. His
best man and groomsman wore light grey
suit trousers and waistcoats from Marks
and Spencer with white shirts. As it was an
outdoor ceremony we felt it suited the style
to keep it more contemporary and casual.
My two sisters were my bridesmaids.
It was important for me to find dresses
that they could easily wear again in the
future and that would be suitable in the
French sunshine. To be slightly different I
decided they would wear the same dress
from Warehouse in different colours,
accessorized with Kurt Geiger shoes in
corresponding opposite colours. It came
together really well.
Fine details
We didn’t have a specific theme before
we started. We let the surroundings of the
vineyard influence the décor and also used
our wedding invitations for inspiration for a
bright and pretty colour scheme.
Rian baked the cake the day before the
wedding with the help of his groomsman
and brother. They made a lemon curd cake,
which was then iced, it was absolutely
delicious and all the more personal as Rian
had baked it himself!
We picked our flowers based on what was
available at the market the day before the
wedding! I let the lady at the small flower
stall arrange what she thought would look
well together and we were impressed with
how it all came together with very few
flowers, including carnations, daisies, baby’s
breath, ferns and some berries. The added
bonus of doing it this way was that is was
so much more cost effective than going
through a florist.
The ceremony
We had a Catholic ceremony in a tiny
church by the lakeside in Ireland just before
leaving for France, with our parents being
the only people in attendance. As a result
we had the freedom to renew our vows
in France in whatever manner we liked.
Raymond Thatcher from Wedding Words
and Wishes created a 40-minute ceremony
that exceeded our expectations. We came
across Raymond Thatcher online. He
was a local celebrant who worked with
us to create a spiritual wedding ceremony
personal to us. The service took place on
the grounds of the gites in Domaine Gayda
under a wooden canopy by the pool. My
mum gave me away – my Dad passed away
when I was 13, so it was fitting that she be
the one to give me away.
The reception
We held our reception in the vineyard at
Maison Gayda restaurant, on the grounds of
Domaine Gayda Brugairolles in the South of
France. All together there were 53 for dinner.
We didn’t have a specific theme – we just
wanted the tables to be visually attractive.
We used ornate white frames with table
numbers that matched the style of the
invitations. We used vintage style mercury
glass vases and candleholders and some
vintage French postcards to finish off the
styling of the tables. We also styled a guest
book table where we placed our guest book
and fingerprint wedding tree. We collected a
photograph of all past family weddings and
displayed them in a vintage silver frame with
ribbons and small heart pegs. It was a nice
way to include all previous weddings and
couples in our family and was lovely to see
how wedding fashions changed through the
decades!
Our guests had a choice of meals, which we
asked them to choose from menus we sent
them in advance, which included seared
salmon with rocket butter and steamed
spicy Marseillete red rice; slowly baked
Cathare pork with mashed Pays de Sault
potatoes and coriander, and parmesan
and rocket risotto for the main course, plus
a selection of hot and cold starters and
desserts.
For our first dance we had originally asked
for ‘At Last’ by Etta James but our jazz
band didn’t have that particular song in its
repertoire so we had another French jazz
song and we can’t remember the name!
Then Superswing, a fantastic eight piece
jazz big band entertained our guests for
dancing after dinner and we continued the
dancing into the night with an ipod playing
all our favourite tunes.
Photography was a big priority for us and
early on we decided we wanted someone
whose style was a little bit different to the
standard pose and shoot pictures. Having
Christina Brosnan as our photographer was
such a fantastic experience. She travelled
from Ireland to France and really captured
all the details and emotion of the day. We
couldn’t recommend her highly enough; she
was a dream to work with and has given us
the most wonderful souvenirs from the day.
Christina was with us from 8am until passed
midnight and captured so many stunning
photos that it would be nearly impossible to
pick a favourite.
Magic moments
There were so many highlights from the
day – like seeing Rian in his gorgeous suit
and having all our favourite people together
in the one place. However the funniest
memories were of people following us
around the old city of Carcassonne with
cameras as Christina shot our wedding
photos, and our three-year-old flower girl
dancing to every single number the band
played, with wild abandon! There were
also a couple of potential disasters – Rian
was quite sick on the day and had to leave
between courses to deal with a persistent
cough and the material for my dress was
misplaced a few days before we left for
France. There was a frantic three days to
get a replacement lace, redesign the dress
and make it from scratch.
The honeymoon
We had spent the week of the wedding
celebrating with all our family and friends
so they were happy to travel home after
this time. After the wedding we travelled
alone from the South of France up north to
Brittany stopping in various locations for a
week for our honeymoon.
On budget?
We never did tally the final figure but we
aimed for £15,000. We think we were
reasonably close to budget.
Further information
Photography: Christina Brosnan
www.brosnanphotographic.com.
Pearl floral Alice band by
Accessorize
www.accessorize.co.uk
Steal
Ciara’s
Style
Cherie Apricot rose and feather comb
by June Ellen, SKU JEH1014 £32
Dark blue triple corsage evening
dress by Debenhams, £90
www.debenhams.com
Delicate lace and florals
infused with vibrant
pinks and navy give
Ciara’s rustic French
wedding a gorgeously
individual twist
Lace trimmed wedding veil
by Emmerling
Fuscia bridesmaid shoe by Rachel
Simpson, style Roxy
Floral Clutch by Accessorize, £25
Bridesmaid
dress by M & Co,
Style 226380. £79
www.mandco.com
Wedding dress by
Stephanie Allin, Style Tilly
www.stephanieallin.net
Bridal shoes,
Sweet Briar by
Hassall. £199
Navy bridesmaid’s shoe
by Rachel Simpson, style
Hettie. £125
RealWEDDINGS
They
New York
Helen and James’ zany wedding in Central Park
W
hen Helen Jones from
Bolton met Police Officer
James Simpson at a New
Years Eve party back
in 1999 she was captivated as they
discussed their mutual love of the Big
Apple - and they discovered that not only
were they enamoured by New York but
they also adored each other. Years later,
when he finally proposed, it seemed only
fitting to tie the knot in Manhattan.
We first met on New Years Eve 1999; we
spent the whole night talking about New
York, but never swapped numbers. A
couple of years later we were introduced
by our younger sisters who had become
friends (and were our bridesmaids!) on a
night out in Manchester.
The proposal
He proposed on a walk in North Wales in
the middle of nowhere (and with no-one
around to see him!). When we sat down
for a break from walking with our dog he
got down on one knee and pulled out a
ring. I said yes straight away and then
he produced a bottle of champagne that
he had carried around in his backpack
all morning! It was totally unexpected because after seven years I had almost
given up hope!
The outfits
My wedding dress was an ivory twopiece with a corseted strapless top and
a ballerina length full skirt. It was by Alan
Hannah and I bought it from Bellissima
Bridal in Ramsbottom over a year before
the ceremony, as I knew exactly what I
wanted and this fitted the bill perfectly. The
style of the dress was perfect for our New
York wedding. It made me feel like a bride
but was very easy to wear and a bit quirky.
Plus the skirt was the right length to show
off my Jimmy Choo bridal shoes! I wore a
small ‘birdcage’ style veil in my hair and a
pearl necklace. I also had a small sequined
bag from Accessorize that I carried after
the ceremony.
We hired Gorgeous Bride NY for hair and
Lauren Whitworth to do make-up for me,
the bridesmaids and mother of the bride.
We were really pleased with both of them,
especially Lauren who was fantastic at
her job and was a lovely presence to have
around on the morning of the wedding.
Something old, something new?
My something old was photographs of
my grandparents that I carried in my bag;
something new was my shoes, something
borrowed was the pearl necklace and
something blue was a garter that my mum
wore on her wedding day (so old, borrowed
and blue really!)
James wore a black suit and white shirt
both from Next, with an ivory tie and pocket
handkerchief. The bridesmaids wore
black strapless, knee length dresses with
a sweetheart neckline and an ivory sash
around the waist. Their shoes were ivory
and they wore a flower in their hair.
Location, location
We decided to marry overseas because
we only wanted a small wedding with the
people closest to us who really wanted to
be there. We chose New York because it
is our favourite place in the world and one
we had visited together many times. All of
our friends and family know this and none
of them were surprised when we told them
our plans. We considered a few different
venues in the city, but Central Park was the
clear winner.
RealWEDDINGS
The planning
We used a wedding planner, The Bridal
Consultant, to make most of the plans for
the ceremony – it was a great help to have
all the legal things taken care of and the
formal arrangements made. We arranged
the reception ourselves as well as the travel
arrangements – having travelled to New York
many times before we know the areas and
hotels really well so it just made sense. We
planned pretty much everything before we
went. We travelled to New York the year
before to choose a reception venue and
meet some of the suppliers. It really helped
with our planning to have already visited
places and to know what to expect.
And the guests?
We took 25 guests, most of who stayed in
the same hotel as us, Hotel Beacon on the
Upper West Side. Other guests chose to
stay in hotels nearby that we had been able
to recommend. Most people that we invited
accepted our invitation, we found that giving
people plenty of notice meant that they were
able to plan and save for the trip and use it
as their summer holiday at the same time.
The details
We didn’t have a theme but our wedding
colours were black and white, which
we used throughout the wedding. The
bridal bouquet was white roses and the
bridesmaids had smaller versions of this.
James and the male members of the
wedding party also wore white roses in their
buttonholes. We had short, square black
vases with white roses as centrepieces on
the tables at the reception.
Our cake was amazing! We ordered it from
City Sweets, but didn’t meet with them until
a few days before the wedding to finalise
the details. The tasting session we had was
almost as much fun as eating it on the day!
We had three tiers of different flavours and
fillings. We had also had a cake topper made
of the two of us with our dog, which went
down really well with our guests.
Trix Rosen did our photography and she
was excellent. Very professional, and a lovely
person too. We were absolutely thrilled with
the way our photographs turned out. Of
the formal photographs our favourite is a
group shot of all the guests in Central Park,
which really captures what the whole day
was about. However, our real favourites are
a series of photographs taken by one of the
guests, while they were having drinks in the
Stone Rose Lounge on the fourth floor of the
Time Warner Centre. They are of us walking
out of the park and across Columbus Circle,
through the streets and the crowds – very
New York!
The ceremony
My dad gave me away at our wedding
ceremony, which took place in the Cop Cot,
Central Park, New York and lasted about 20
minutes.
The reception
After the ceremony we all made our way
to Moran’s Restaurant, Chelsea, New York
for the reception where we were greeted
on arrival with drinks and canapés for an
hour. This was followed by a three-course
meal starting with Waldorf salad, followed
by a choice of fillet steak, chicken or sea
bass, then fruit and pastries for dessert.
All our guests agreed that the food was
amazing! We had the wedding cake later
in the evening. We tried to keep to a black
and white theme at the reception to match
the wedding party. James is a bit of an
artist on the sly and had personalised each
guest’s place card with a drawing of a New
York landmark. Our guests loved these and
they were a great keepsake of the day. We
decided to break with tradition and didn’t
have a first dance. However we did have
our own choice of music playing through an
I-Pod after the meal, which was great as we
all had a bit of a dance and could choose to
play anything we wanted.
Sweet memories
The whole day was amazing! Just being in
New York dressed in our wedding outfits,
walking down the streets or around the
park, having passers by taking photographs
and shouting ‘congratulations’ was surreal.
We loved feeling like the city was part of
our wedding day. There were lots of fun
moments – in fact we laughed all day,
including when the chief bridesmaid was
catching the bouquet in mid air and landed
in a heap on the floor, plus memories of lots
of tipsy and happy wedding guests!
A couple of little things didn’t go exactly to
plan, but none of it mattered on the day.
On budget?
We didn’t really have a budget, but spent
about £10,000 on the actual wedding day.
Flights, accommodation, honeymoon and
the reception we had at home were all
additional to that.
The honeymoon
We stayed in New York for a couple of days
after the wedding (a week in total) and then
flew to Las Vegas for another week, followed
by a week in the Cotswolds with our dog.
Our friends and family shared part of our
honeymoon in New York and we absolutely
loved having them there. One of the best
parts of getting married abroad was having
everyone with us for the days before and
after the wedding. Rather than just having a
wedding day, it felt like we had a ‘wedding
week’!
Further information
Wedding planning:
Lisa Burton at The Bridal Consultant
[email protected]
www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk
Venue:
Moran’s Restaurant, Chelsea, New York
Photography: Trix Rosen
Steal
Helen’s
Style
A clever blend of
sophistication and glamour
with a hint of kitch is the
key to Helen’s stunning
style – perfect for city
weddings
Pearl necklace by Mai Pearls, £34.99
Pearl and silver earrings by Mai Pearls, £29.99
www.maipearls.co.uk
Fascinator by June
Ellen, Style Alison, £165
Geometric Gem
bridal clutch,
£229
www.anjlilondon.com
Pearl bracelet
Fascinator by June Ellen,
style Valerie. £120
Dress by Maggie Sottero,
Style JD1406
www.maggiesottero.com
Black lace shoes,
style Lilly, £150
Shortie wedding veil by
Emmerling
Bridal shoes, style
Luella, £65
Black bridesmaid
dress by JLM
www.jlmcouture.com
Advertising Feature
We love weddings at
Son Granot!
Why? It’s simple. Weddings are moments of wonderful hopes and dreams,
of happiness and desires for a great future and we at Son Granot identify
very much with all these sentiments.
That’s why we want you to have the best wedding possible, like a
dream come true, not just any dream – your dream!
We’ll take care of everything, so the only thing that you’ll have to worry
about is enjoying your big day. We’ll prepare your wedding according to
your wishes and take care of all the details, right down to the smallest.
We’ll accompany you on every step of the way in the preparation
of your wedding so that everything is as easy and as stress free
as possible. We can advise you on your selection of flowers and
decoration, the style of the table dressings, music, entertainment,
photographer, choosing the wedding cake, the menu and aperitifs,
vehicles for transporting the bride and groom, the guests and whatever
other wishes you may have.
The menu is something that needs to be taken care of right down to the
tiniest detail and to that end we’ll help you plan it according to your tastes
and with the maximum quality that typifies Son Granot.
We’ll help you choose the best spots in Son Granot to ensure that
everything will be perfect – the ceremony, the aperitif, the lunch or dinner,
the party or whatever other activity you would like to enjoy.
Further information
Hotel Rural Son Granot
Call: +34 971 355 555
Email: [email protected]
Log on to: www.songranot.com
Mauritius
paradise found!
Globe trotting travel
journalist Andy Collier
has travelled the
world in search of
paradise. He believes
he has truly found it in
Mauritius and explains
why this island gem is
the perfect wedding
destination
T
he very first thing you see on arrival at
Mauritius Airport is a sign on the wall
of the corridor. It says, quite simply:
Welcome to Paradise.
That’s a big call. Paradise is, like beauty, in
the eye of the beholder. But you’d have to
be pretty strange to think that Mauritius is
anything other than one of the most beautiful
spots on the planet.
This tiny island, just 20 miles long by 15
miles wide, is a wedding and honeymoon
jewel in the Indian Ocean situated just several
hundred miles off the coasts of Madagascar
and South Africa. Indeed, it has everything
that newlyweds and about-to-be weds could
ever want.
The weather is superb – and, as it’s in the
southern hemisphere, it’s at its hot and sunny
best just when we’re shivering in the middle
of a European winter. In just 12 hours you
can be transported by plane from dark and
snowy Britain to glorious sunshine, with the
temperatures in the mid-20s. What better way
to start married life?
It’s a long way from anywhere, but in many
ways, that’s a good thing. The greatest
attraction of Mauritius is its stunning coastline
and lush tropical vegetation and, if you want
to marry there, the wedding and honeymoon
offering is of a very high quality indeed, with
four and five star resorts designed to meet
your every need.
Mauritian culture is incredibly diverse. In its
time, the island has been occupied by the
Portuguese, Dutch and French, and was
British until it won independence in 1968.
Most people speak Creole, a form of French,
although English is the official language of the
island and you’ll be easily understood. The
locals are warm and friendly – there’s no sense
of tension at all – local people seem genuinely
happy and keen to talk and meet with you.
For sheer luxury and romance, which will fuel a
lifetime’s romantic memories, Domaine De Bel
Ombre on the south-west coast of the island
provides an unparalleled experience. This
really is the best of the best – a former sugar
plantation dating back to 1765, it boasts
the five-star Heritage Le Telfair Golf and Spa
Resort, the four-star plus Heritage Awali Golf
and Spa Resort and Heritage The Villas, which
provide the absolute ultimate villa experience
for get-away-from-it-all honeymooners.
Say “Iatdo:
Heritage Le Telfair
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort is a
luxury beach resort set amid lush green hills,
waterfalls and rainforest alongside a perfect
blue lagoon fringed with white sandy beaches,
making it a perfect choice for picture-perfect
weddings or honeymoons.
There’s an old local saying – ‘no problem in
Mauritius’ - and staff at the hotel ensure this
applies to every wedding and honeymoon
couple with a wonderful, smiling service, which
is truly personal.
If you want to tie the knot, then you’ll be made
to feel both pampered and unique. As long
as you send in your documents three months
beforehand, help with the legal formalities of
marriage is provided by Heritage resort staff.
Your wedding will be the only one taking place
at your resort that day, and a specialised
wedding co-ordinator can organise all that’s
required from music and flowers to the cake
and entertainment.
Magical choice
of venues
Everything is done to make your marriage as
magical as possible, with a range of fantastic
options available for the ceremony itself. You
can marry on the pristine white sand beach
at sunset, to the sound of the sea and the
gentle jingling of boats on their moorings.
Most guests choose to hold their ceremony
on the Eastern Peninsula Beach. However
other options include taking your vows in the
hotels’ beautiful manicured gardens, or in the
nearby Chateau De Bel Ombre, a former grand
sugar plantation house in its own magnificent
grounds, which has been sympathetically
restored and is now a fine dining restaurant.
If you fancy something more rustic, then you
can take a short trip inland to marry amid the
wilderness of the stunning Frederica Nature
Reserve, which is home to the island’s tallest
waterfall as well as indigenous flora and fauna
and rare wildlife species. Another alternative
is to make your vows in one of the island’s
beautiful little churches.
In all cases, Heritage Le Telfair staff will
happily tailor-make the whole event, even
arranging gifts in your room and the pressing
of outfits for the bride and groom. Prices for
wedding packages start from an exceptionally
reasonable £450.
Honeymoon heaven
Whether you’re getting married or on
honeymoon, the island and the resort provide
the best of both worlds – they’re gloriously
relaxed, yet there’s plenty to do. There is a
plethora of land and water sport activities and
if you enjoy golf, you can play on one of the
best courses in the region overlooking the
Indian Ocean. There’s also the opportunity to
take night excursions in 4x4s discovery tours
or go mountain biking, quad biking and deepsea fishing – as well, of course, as shopping
and sightseeing.
If you just want to relax, enjoy each other’s
company or simply indulge yourself, there’s
the fantastic Seven Colours Spa, which
delivers spa rituals and authentic Mauritian
treatments based on, as its name suggests,
seven energetic ambient colours. The bespoke
spa packages provide a great opportunity to
rediscover your inner self in a beautiful and
spiritual environment.
For romantic lunches and dinners, the resort
offers guests privileged access to a selection
of eleven restaurants offering top class cuisine,
ranging from Asian themed and contemporary
Japanese through to local Mauritian dishes –
all accompanied by fine wine, champagne
or cocktails.
Romance at Heritage
The Villas
Further information
If you really want to spoil yourselves, though,
you could opt for a stay at the Heritage The
Villas resort, where you’ll have your own
state-of-the-art contemporary property
complete with barbecues, landscaped gardens
and private infinity pool. In-villa services can
include a 24-hour concierge service and even
a private chef and butler to cook and serve
you dinner. Your only choice is whether to eat
by the pool or in your plushly furnished private
dining room.
www.heritagethevillas.mu
Getting there in the lap
of luxury
The luxury experience, the beauty of the
Mauritian landscape, the weather and the
friendliness of the people make this magical
island well worth the long overnight flight from
the UK. If you choose, you can even make the
journey part of the magic by upgrading to Air
Mauritius’ renowned business class, where
you’ll enjoy wide, flatbed seats as well as
excellent food, wines and champagne.
However you choose to get there, Mauritius
will beguile you with its charms. There’s no
doubt about it: this is paradise indeed.
www.heritageletelfair.com
www.airmauritius.com
Wedding
Package
Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort
has a great new wedding package for
those planning nuptials in the Indian
Ocean - and it is FREE! Guests only
need to book their travel and stay as they
would on a normal holiday. The wedding
package includes location and setup;
personal wedding coordinator; wedding
cake; a bottle of champagne during the
ceremony; room upgrade (on wedding
night only, subject to availability);
romantic candlelit dinner on the wedding
night; ironing and steaming of wedding
wear; witnesses if needed; special
romantic turndown on wedding night;
wedding gift; honeymoon breakfast in the
room. Additional charges are only made
for flowers, music and photography.
Getting there
Air Mauritius offers up to six weekly
non-stop direct flights from London
Heathrow Airport to Mauritius and
daily connecting flights from Glasgow,
Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle and
Birmingham via Paris Charles de Gaulle
Airport. Economy return flights start from
£660 inc. taxes and charges. 12-hour
flight from UK and a 40 minute transfer
to Domaine de Bel Ombre.
Truly unforgettable moments ...
Sparkling sandy beach, tropical palms and the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian
Ocean... we know what your special day or honeymoon means to you and we know that
everything has to be perfect, just as you have imagined it to be. The luxurious 5 star MARITIM
Hotel Mauritius Beach Resort & Spa is renowned for romantic views, personal service and
award-winning cuisine, nestled gently within a picturesque private estate, the MARITIM truly
is beyond paradise…
• 7 nights All Inclusive in a “Privilège” Room
• Includes Air Mauritius flights & return transfers
*
GBP
per person • Booking Code: Brides Abroad
• Valid for stays in May & June 2012
1,359
Book now:
0844 332 9358
*Conditions apply.
MARITIM Hotel Mauritius • Balaclava • Terre Rouge • Mauritius • www.maritim.mu
RealWEDDINGS
Bliss in
Barbados
Joanne and Simon’s family beach celebrations
A
fter travelling internationally in her job
as an air hostess for Virgin Atlantic,
Joanne Hurst from Bristol knew that
there were many stunning locations
for destination weddings around the world.
However, Joanne’s
heart was set on beautiful Barbados as the
idyllic place to say ‘I do’ to partner Simon
Noble – on a palmed fringed beach with sand
between her toes and her four children in tow!
We met at the ‘Ministry of Sound’ nightclub in
London. I was living in London and meeting a
coach of friends from Bristol – he was on that
coach with some other friends! I would say it
was ‘drunk’ at first sight rather than ‘love’ at first
sight! Say no more!
The proposal
Simon proposed to me at Glastonbury festival
in 2009. We go every year. He made us walk
to the top point where all the flags fly, where
we had a view over the whole festival!
Location location
The main reason we chose a destination
wedding abroad was so that our four children,
aged one, four, five and eight could enjoy a
holiday as well as our special day. We wanted
to marry in Barbados because it is somewhere
special to us and we have been many times
both on our own before having the children
and with our family too – so it seemed the
perfect place to have our wedding. We love
the people and the island is so beautiful. We
wanted a resort that catered for young adults,
older couples and families, so the Almond
Beach Village resort was perfect.
The planning
Almond Resorts offers a free wedding
package, which includes the services
of a wedding planner. The package included
a Wedding Coordinator, flowers for bride and
groom, wedding cake, decorated wedding
location, champagne, clergy/magistrate,
government fees, ceremony charges and
taxes. All we had to do to get all of this was
pay for a deluxe room for a fortnight, which
covered the
wedding and the honeymoon – so it worked
out as great value for money. We chose to
pay for additions to the wedding package
to make it extra special. The resort was
very helpful in making sure everything
we wanted was arranged for us. Ann the
wedding coordinator was fantastic in true
Bajan style. She was very chilled out but
sorted everything to perfection. We flew
out with Virgin Holidays. Almond Resorts
were particularly helpful with arranging the
accommodation for all my guests and making
sure everyone was looked after well.
The guests
We always knew we would have a reasonably
large wedding party but in the end it was even
larger than we originally planned as almost all of
the guests we invited could make it. There were
41 adults of all different ages and 25 children
from two weeks-old to nine years-old. Both
our parents and siblings were able to attend,
although my Dad had always said he wouldn’t
go long haul again and didn’t fancy Barbados. I
was worried about his reaction when I told him
where we were getting married, but as soon as
he got there he absolutely loved it. I must admit,
until everyone started paying the balance, I was
still unsure if everyone would make it. In the end,
only one couple dropped out as they had a baby
whilst we were away. We even had friends from
Australia come!
Getting the look
I chose to wear a Jenny Packham dress,
which was perfect for a beach wedding as it
was floaty and delicate.I wore some gorgeous
Benjamin Adams shoes but had bare feet for the
ceremony, and ended up in Havaianas at the
party. For jewellery I wore a Jenny Packham cuff
and crystal drop earrings. I had a hairdresser on
the resort do my hair for me and wore my hair
down with the sides twisted back in a ‘boho’
style. My cousin helped me with my make-up
and I went for a natural look.
Groom & bridesmaids
Simon wore a Vivienne Westwood shirt and
had tailored trousers made. I had seven adult
bridesmaids and five flower girls. The older
girls wore Coast dresses and silver flip flops.
The younger flower girls wore dresses from
Monsoon. I wanted the flower girls to look like
fairies! My mum made their pretty head dresses
as I couldn’t find anything I wanted in the shops.
Mum also dressed rag dolls in the same outfit
as the girls, which looked so cute. They carried
silver buckets tied with ribbons and had a pink
wooden spade to use in case they got bored
during the ceremony. My mum was amazing, not
only did she make my bridesmaid accessories,
she made drawstring bags from Cath Kidston
material with goodies in to keep all the children
occupied.
The details
I chose to keep to the bouquet which was
included in the wedding package, however, my
flowers were gorgeous. My seven bridesmaids
had a one-stem flower, which was Ann’s idea –
they looked perfect.
The ceremony
The ceremony took place in a gorgeous location
under the wedding gazebo in the grounds of the
Almond Resort, with the sea in the background.
My dad gave me away.
We hired the reef restaurant for the wedding
breakfast, which was my personal favourite at
the resort. It is situated on the beach and was
decorated with fire lanterns. The guests dined on
the gala celebration menu and they all thoroughly
enjoyed the food. The children had a separate
table and my mum made bunting to decorate
it. We had aperitifs and canapés served to
our guests following the ceremony which was
accompanied by a steel band. We also hired
a magician and babysitters to help out with the
children during the speeches and meal, giving
the adults time to relax that bit more. After the
dinner there was music and a DJ for all to party
the night away. Our first dance was to Florence
and the Machine’s ‘You’ve Got The Love’.
The reception
Photos were taken as the sun was setting to
capture the most romantic light for the wedding
photos. Colorbox, a professional photographic
studio based in the resort, took the photos with
a wedding DVD. My favourite photos are the
natural ones at the ceremony with the children
dotted around!
Magic moments
My wedding highlight was everyone being
together after the ceremony with a glass of
champers or a rum punch with the sun setting
on the beach. The kids were paddling and
running around - perfect and better than I
imagined it to be! I would definitely recommend
a wedding abroad to anyone and I am so
pleased I chose to have mine at Almond
Resorts. It would have suited a couple without
children as well as those like us with a family in
tow. I think some of our friends who had lots of
children and another with a newborn couldn’t
believe they could still have a relaxing holiday!
The honeymoon
We stayed at the resort for our honeymoon. I
organised a catamaran trip for all the guests a
few days before the wedding. It was a great
way for everyone to get to know each other
and then we went surfing for a day, which the
kids loved! It was so special to spend two
weeks with all my favourite people. We have
two weeks of wedding memories, not just a
day. Absolutely perfect!
Further information
Wedding Venue: Almond Beach Village
Resort, Almond Resorts, Barbados.
Tel: 0844 4117181
www.almondresorts.com
Photographer: Colorbox Studio, Colorbox
www.colorbox.co.uk
To view this wedding visit:
www.colorbox.co.uk/press
Steal
Joanne’s
Style
Flowers hair comb by June Ellen,
SKU JEH1003, £50
Hairpin by Rose Garden
Accessories, £8
www.rosegardenaccessories.co.uk
Get Joanne’s gorgeous
back to nature look for a
floral beach wedding with
pretty pinks and flower
details to set an enchanting
scene
Vintage Heiress earrings by
Glitzy Secrets, £38
www. glitzysecrets.com
Ivory Bridal shoes, style Stella by
Rachel Simpson. £105
Flower bud bando by Monsoon, £5
www.monsoon.co.uk
Pale pink Bridesmaid dress by Debenhams, £85
Baby girl Bridget flower girl dress
by Monsoon, £35
www.monsoon.co.uk
Dress by Tobi Hannah,
Style Alberta
www.tobihannahbridal.co.uk
Flower girl’s rose
corsage bag by
Monsoon, £10
www.monsoon.co.uk
Estelle bling
leather sandal by
Accessorize, £32
www.accessorize.com
Beautiful
Barbados
With its glamorous image of soft sandy beaches, swaying palms and
glorious weather, no wonder Barbados attracts more than its fair share
of A-list celebrities as well as couples looking to say ‘I do’ in Paradise.
I
f you marry or honeymoon in
Barbados, don’t be surprised if you
spot a few famous faces during
your trip. Celebrities including
Simon Cowell, Hugh Grant, Rihanna,
Kylie Minogue and Mariah Carey flock
to Barbados to splash around in the
aquamarine waters of the island and party
until sunrise on this sun-kissed island.
You too will feel like a star if you choose
Barbados for your destination wedding or
dream honeymoon.
Barbados is a Colourful Caribbean island
offering a unique blend of West African and
Caribbean culture together with its elegant
British heritage, giving it a distinct flavor
unlike any other destination in the world.
A pick and mix of striped and pastelhued beach-front hotels offer star-quality
accommodation to suit all pockets and
cater for family holidays as well as romantic
breaks, weddings and honeymoons.
And with a year–round perfect climate it’s
easy to see why Barbados is one of the
world’s most popular wedding destinations
– with an average daily high temperature of
78ºF, and 3000 hours of annual sunshine,
chances are that you will witness a
breathtaking sunset nearly every evening of
your time spent in Barbados – perfect for
those romantic wedding photos.
Choose your beach
The Barbados beaches are tailor made for
barefoot beach weddings – feel the soft
golden sand between your toes as you
proudly declare ‘I do’ beneath the swaying
palms. With so many pristine beaches to
choose from your only problem is selecting
your favourite location for your wedding
ceremony. Carlisle Bay beach is a lively
spot with yachts moored just off shore in
the crescent shaped bay; you may prefer
the seclusion of Crane Beach, regarded as
one of the top ten beaches in the world,
with its calm clear blue waters and pink
sand; Haywoods Beach offers a large open
area and is popular for watersports; choose
Bottom Bay beach and marry under the
cool palms or exchange your vows on the
gorgeous white sand and limpid blue waters
of Sandy Lane Beach, which is perfect for
beach weddings.
A toast to tradition
Apart from being renowned as a tropical
paradise with lush landscapes, gorgeous
beaches and balmy climate, did you know
that Barbados is also famous for being the
true birthplace of rum? Mount Gay Rum
began distilling on the island in 1703, the
oldest brand of rum in existence, so toast
your wedding celebrations with rum to get
into the spirit of the island!
Honeymoon bliss
Barbados offers an idyllic setting for
dream honeymoons, and with a diverse
range of things to do, places to be and
wonders to enjuoy, there’s something to suit
everyone. The beaches offer sunbathing,
swimming, watersports, snorkelling and
diving opportunities, whereas the more
adventurous will want to explore the sights,
including Charles Fort with its unique
flavour of the island’s British colonial past
and Ragged Point Lighthouse with its
picturesque views of the entire East Coast.
Take a dip in the amazing Reef Pools at
Cattlewash Beach – a collection of tidal
pools that are unique to Barbados, or watch
a game of polo – Chukky at Holders in St
James is one of four polo grounds on the
island and is home to the Barbados Polo
Club. Golfers will be in seventh heaven
as Barbados offers some of the best
championship courses in the Caribbean.
Keep a look out too for the little green
monkeys of Barbados which have thrived
throughout the island – these mischievous
little primates are always fun to watch.
Weddings in
Barbados
If you have always dreamed of a tropical
beach wedding or a genteel colonial
plantation with fields of sugar to set the
stage for your vows, or a more traditional
ceremony in a church dating back to the
1600’s, or in the lush grounds of a luxury
five-star resort hotel then Barbados can
make those dreams into a wonderful reality.
The wedding venue options available in
Barbados are both beautiful and plentiful.
Getting married in Barbados couldn’t be
easier and requires no notice, so you can
say ‘I do’ on the day of your arrival if you
like, with the law allowing an official marriage
ceremony to take place as soon as a
licence is obtained. No hassles, no delays
and no waiting for your wedding!
Usually when getting married in an exotic
location the paperwork required by the
country seems overwhelming. Not so
in Barbados! You can marry as soon as
arrangements are made with a Marriage
Officer (a Magistrate or authorised Minister
of Religion) and a licence is obtained.
Obtaining a wedding
licence
Application for a marriage licence must
be made by both parties in person at
the office of the Ministry of Home Affairs
in Bridgetown, with only the following
documents needed: Valid passports;
marriage and death certificates if widowed;
original decree of absolute if divorced. All
wedding arrangements must be made
with a Marriage Officer (a magistrate or
a Minister of Religion authorised to be a
Marriage Officer) prior to the completion
of an application form for the licence. Your
tour operator’s wedding team and personal
wedding planner will held ensure you have
the necessary paperwork and help you
sort out the legals prior to your wedding.
Most resorts include return transfers
to Bridgetown as part of their wedding
package.
Coral Reef Club
Marry like a star at one of the finest hotels in the Caribbean,
the Coral Reef Club, a world-class resort renowned for
its special ambience and classic island style. This family
run resort, a ‘small luxury hotel of the world’, is set amidst
beautifully landscaped gardens on the calm west coast
of Barbados and offers fine dining, an indulgent spa and
the highest standard of personal service. It also has a
gym, floodlit tennis and golf close by. All inclusive wedding
packages are available which include a minister, ceremony,
licence, decorated venue, bouquet, cake and champagne
wedding breakfast. Optional extras are also available.
Book it!
Price for an all-inclusive wedding package £2,300 for a
minimum stay requirement of five nights. A seven-night stay
at the Coral Reef Club costs from £271 per room per night.
www.coralreefbarbados.com
Tamarind
Tamarind is considered to be one of Barbados’s
premier couples resorts and family hotels in its
stunning setting on the platinum west coast of
the island. The hotel offers 104 contemporary
guest rooms with panoramic ocean views on a
prime 750-foot stretch of beach. For weddings
and honeymoons the Tamarind is perfect,
offering a choice of open air wedding venues
and comprehensive wedding packages. It also
offers everything for a dream honeymoon. Take
a dip in one of the three on-site pools, indulge in
a couples massage at the spa or try your hand
at a variety of complimentary water sports and
take advantage of the balmy climate and dine al
fresco in the hotel’s romantic restaurants.
Book it!
The Tamarind offers free wedding packages.
Tropical Sky is offering seven nights from £1059
pp. Call: 0844 332 9369 and quote Brides
Abroad
Almond Beach Club & Spa
The Caribbean Sea washes up to the coral rock formation
along the beachfront at the adults-only, all-inclusive Almond
Beach Club & Spa. Set in the paradise of St James, a
welcome quiet presides over this romantic Caribbean resort,
which is set in lush tropical gardens bursting with vibrant
flowers and shrubs. It’s an idyllic setting for a romantic
escape or for your destination wedding, and honeymooners
can enjoy first class facilities including a luxurious spa, three
freshwater pools, floodlit tennis courts and water sports,
romantic dining at its best at a variety of gourmet restaurants
and live evening entertainment.
Book it!
Tropical Sky is offering seven nights all-inclusive from £1,079
per person. Call: 0844 332 9369 and quote Brides
Abroad.
SASSI HOLFORD
perfectly beautiful
The Signature Collection
6 The Bridge, Taunton, Somerset
[email protected]
01823 256308
and selected stockists in UK
and North America
www.sassiholford.com
photography : www.simonpowell.net
Advertising Feature
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at The Chateau
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in the tropical rainforests of Malaysia
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estled amidst a lush Malaysian tropical rainforest and located only a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, The
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A team of epicurean specialists create delicious gastronomic organic,
as well as non-organic cuisine with a mind to well-being. Begin your
day by watching the sunrise and having a healthy organic breakfast
at our all-day dining restaurant La Vie with its magnificent pool view.
Have a light lunch at the Spa Cafe inbetween your spa treatments. Sip
organic tea and nibble on delectable organic scones and savouries
while admiring the beautiful scenery from the Belle Vue Tea Room.
Tantalise your taste buds while dining at L’Assiette, our Seven Stars
& Stripes award-winning French fine-dining restaurant. Enjoy organic
cocktails at Le Rouge, our seductive, yet cosy, lobby bar lounge or
wind down the day at our Salon Cigar Lounge which offers a fine
selection of cigars and wines and spirits.
Organic wellness spa
La Santé is the jewel in The Chateau’s crown. A sanctuary of healing
and wellness, La Santé is the first European concept spa in Asia.
Combining the best of European spa expertise with Eastern hospitality,
well-trained spa personnel deliver tailor-made and individualised
treatments and spa programmes which focus on each individual’s
well-being.
Voya, the exclusive line of spa products available at La Santé, is
made essentially from organic hand-harvested seaweed found on an
untouched area of Ireland’s coastline. Voya utilises seaweed as its
main ingredient and is the world’s first certified organic seaweed-based
product.
is a unique sauna which has natural herbs (rosemary, chamomile or
lavender) infused in the air. The purpose of this is to relieve stress,
improve respiratory function and enhance circulation in the body; A
beautifully designed Salt Grotto is a steam salt room embellished with
Swarovski crystals. This room is used for therapeutic mud wraps,
which help to eliminate toxins from the body and relieve any muscular
aches and pains; The Aroma Hydro Pool contains aroma bath salts
with a blend of essential oils, which alleviate fatigue and tension; or you
can simply chill out by the Salt Pool.
Healthy honeymoons
With clean, cool and fresh air, luscious flora and fauna and nutritious
cuisine, The Chateau and its spa is the perfect destination for a
newlywed couple on honeymoon to relax and enjoy themselves amid
the serenity and tranquillity of the surroundings. What better way
for a couple to begin their journey into married life together than by
embracing health and wellness?
Further information
Tel: +60 (9) 221 3888
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
www.thechateau.com.my
La Santé spa packages
The spa offers a variety of programmes namely, Wellness Getaway,
Body Pamper, Beauty Essence, Stress Relief, Fit for Life, Body Sculpt,
Couples Retreat, For The Men, Total Beauty, Body Cleansing, Pre and
Post Natal; all available in two, three, five and seven-night packages.
The philosophy of the spa is one which embraces a lifestyle approach
to personal wellness in a non-regimented way.
European Thermal Experience
There are several European thermal spa facilities which set this spa
apart from the others spas in Asia including: The Aquaveda Bed a specialised bed with an automated body exfoliation process which
works in tandem with the Soap Brush treatment. The Herbal Bath
8
WOW
WEDDINGS
With a world of wild, wacky and wonderful
weddings on offer, don’t settle for
anything less than an amazing
ceremony or venue that is as
individual as you are.
Camels in the desert
MOROCCO
Many couples marry with elephants as part of their wedding ceremony, but dare to be different and ride to your wedding on the
back of a camel! Boutique Souk wedding planning service offers venues in Morocco from traditional city settings to the magnificent
Moroccan desert - a spectacular setting with entertainment, good weather and rustic chic as part of the well-priced deal. The
Moroccan desert tented camp overlooks Lake Lalla Takerkoust close to Marrakech and is a beautiful location where couples
can have a ceremony with the sun setting over the lake, followed by a tented reception and dancing under the stars surrounded
by lanterns and open fires – truly unforgettable! Grooms are offered the option to arrive by camel and brides can be carried in
traditional Moroccan ‘Amari’ thrones and the couple can leave the ceremony on two camels with a ‘just married’ sign on their rear
for a great photo opportunity! www.boutiquesouk.com
Grand
Canyon by
helicopter
NEVADA
2
Fly high over one of the most
spectacular natural landscapes in the
world – the Grand Canyon – as you
say ‘I do’ aboard a helicopter. The
wedding helicopter will set off on its
breathtaking three-hour flight with
bride, groom, ministers and up to
two witnesses aboard, to the Grand
Canyon where the ceremony takes
place. Price includes the wedding
ceremony, bouquet and buttonhole,
cake and champagne at the Grand
Canyon and helicopter flight. Marriage
licence must be obtained prior to
arriving at the terminal and costs
approx. $60. Kuoni offers seven nights
with breakfast at the 5-star Bellagio,
Las Vegas in a deluxe room including
flights with British Airways from
Gatwick, and group transfers in resort.
Price for 2012 from £2,898 per person
based on two sharing and includes the
Grand Canyon by helicopter wedding.
www.kuoni.co.uk.
3
Vows on
horseback
SOUTH AFRICA
Why get married standing at the alter
when you can tie the knot on horseback
in a wedding ceremony that you and your
guests will never forget at Ant’s Hill in the
Waterberg region of South Africa. This is
the perfect choice for adventurous couples.
Ant’s Hill is a luxury bush home with an
intimate atmosphere set in wild terrain,
which provides an enchanting backdrop
for the wedding. Newly weds can soak up
the sun kissed savannah on private rides,
enjoy romantic dining in the bush or explore
the stunning scenery on 4X4 game drives
and guided walks. All of the deluxe rooms
feature four-poster beds, sunken baths,
waterfall showers and overlook a private
reserve. Ant’s Hill takes a maximum of
only 12 guests and for extra privacy there
is a secluded honeymoon cabin. Ranch
Rider offers six-nights from £1,500pp (two
sharing), which includes accommodation,
meals, drinks, riding safaris and game
drives and taxes. Return flight from £839pp.
www.ranchrider.com.
4
Medieval
Wedding
KISSIMMEE,
FLORIDA
The perfect wedding for a good old-fashioned girl has to be a ceremony at Medieval Times, situated
in Kissimmee in the heart of Florida. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is the perfect backdrop
for a royal wedding reception set within an 11th centuary European-style castle fit for a princess
and her prince. You can fulfil your romantic fantasies and be married in the medieval courtyard of
the castle then celebrate with a full medieval feast and spectacular tournament show. You will be
married in a ceremony conducted by the show’s King Alfonso, who is also a minister, in a wedding
that can be customised with a package to suit your individual needs. Follow this up with a fun
honeymoon enjoying some of the world-famous theme parks nearby including Disneyworld. Tour
operators offering tailor-made wedding and honeymoon packages to Kissimmee include North
America Travel Service and Virgin Holidays. www.medievaltimes.com
Vows to
raise the
Titanic
BELFAST,
N. IRELAND
5
You won’t get that sinking feeling if
you hold your wedding reception in
the Titanic Suite, a new banqueting
venue, which dramatically overlooks
the city of Belfast where the famous
liner was built. Titanic fans around
the world can theme their wedding
around the famous ship in Northern
Ireland’s newest venue, which is
designed on styles used within
the Titanic herself and replicates
the opulent surrounds of the
ship’s first-class banqueting room,
complete with famous sweeping
Grand Staircase. The suite offers
stunning panoramic views of the
city and flexible spaces catering for
up to 1,000 guests. Titanic Belfast
will open in April 2012 to coincide
with the centenary of the liner’s final
departure from the city’s shipyards.
www.discoverireland.com
6
Floating
Wedding
UBUD, BALI
Find paradise on earth in the jungles
of Bali and make your wedding
ceremony a breathtaking experience
at Ubud Hanging Gardens – it most
definitely has the wow factor, providing
the ultimate setting for your wedding
and for a truly romantic honeymoon.
The wedding planners at Ubud
Hanging Gardens will create for you a
unique floating wedding, set on their
spectacular two-tiered horizon-edge
pool, or you may simply want to opt
for magical moments on the terrace
with dramatic views over the river
valley. Whether you select a traditional
wedding or an intimate ceremony,
Ubud Hanging Gardens can provide
an expert wedding coordinator and
full catering services to make wedding
planning effortless. Ubud Hanging
gardens offers intimate villas, each with
its own private heated infinity pool with
pre-wedding spa treatments included
as part of the wedding package.
www.ubudhanginggardens.com
7
Firelit feast
at Kings
Canyon
ALICE SPRINGS,
AUSTRALIA
Create everlasting memories with one
of the most rugged and breathtaking
landscapes on earth as a spectacular
backdrop to your wedding at Australia’s
Kings Canyon. Kings Canyon Resort
is in the heart of the Australian desert
located between Alice Springs and Ayers
Rock in Watarrka National Park. You can
exchange your vows at Kings Canyon
Resort lookout and have the vast canyon
in the background. Then, as the sun
sets on your wedding day, join your
guests for a Sounds of Firelight dinner:
a crackling fire, six delicious courses
and impeccable service set under a
star-speckled sky. The resort’s wedding
coordinator will assist you in organising
your wedding package, accommodation
and transfers and travel arrangements,
including the wedding ceremony and fine
details on your special day. The Ultimate
Wedding package costs £2,055 and
includes a 15-minute scenic helicopter
flight and Sounds of Firelight dinner for
two. www.kingscanyonresort.com.au
8
Big wedding,
big top!
SARASOTA,
FLORIDA
For a really unique and unusual wedding
put on a big show for your guests by
marrying in Circus Sarasota. The Florida
based circus is offering candlelit wedding
ceremonies under the ‘big top’ followed
by a European-style circus show. After
your wedding circus extravaganza
you can go on to enjoy a wonderful
honeymoon in Sarasota and the Gulf
Islands, a beautiful area situated on the
Gulf of Mexico, on Florida’s west coast,
just one hour’s drive south from Tampa.
This area is often referred to as ‘Hidden
Florida’ with award-winning beaches
such as Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key
and Bradenton. You can enjoy sun
filled days and balmy sunsets with a
wide array of accommodation, bars,
restaurants, shops and activities on land
and water.
www.sarasotafl.org
RealWEDDINGS
LET IT
SNOW
Are you dreaming of a white wedding?
Couples are bucking the trend of marrying
in hot locations and heading instead for
mountain peaks and even the Arctic Circle
to tie the knot with a backdrop of glistening
snow in a winter wonderland
Aurora Borealis, Iceland
Amaze your guests by treating them to a
spectacular light show at your wedding,
courtesy of Mother Nature. Scientists
predict that the magical Northern Lights
will be at their brightest since 1958 this
winter and spring, and Iceland is the
only destination where the lights, known
as Aurora Borealis, can be witnessed
throughout the whole country. Iceland
is also one of the most popular winter
wedding locations, which can take place
in quaint, traditional churches or against a
spectacular setting in the unique Icelandic
geothermal winter landscape.
Hotel Ranga
See the Northern Lights from one of the
world’s best vantage points at the awardwinning four-star Hotel Ranga in South Iceland.
Hotel Ranga offers luxury, relaxation, gourmet
dining and an idyllic riverside setting with views
of the famous Mt Hekla. The hotel specialises
in weddings and honeymoons and recently
featured on GMTV as one of the three ‘Best
Island Wedding Hotels in the World’. It offers
ceremonies in the traditional Icelandic church
in Oddi and civil ceremonies in a number
of amazing locations, including the nearby
Skóarfoss waterfalls. Hotel Ranga enjoys
a unique location close to Iceland’s main
attractions in the middle of the ‘Ring of Fire’ –
an exciting area with geothermal and
volcanic activities all around. From here you
can explore the area and enjoy horseriding,
snowmobiling, glacier tours and helicopter
tours or simply snuggle up together in one
of the hotel’s outdoor geothermal hot tubs to
watch the Northern Lights in all their glory.
Book it!
Hotel Ranga is a member of Great Hotels of the
World Luxury Collection. Superior rooms from
£145.00. www.ghotw.com/hotel-ranga or
call 020 7380 3658.
Northern Light Safari
Budir hotel
In the west of Iceland, the Snaefellsness
Peninsula is home to Hotel Budir and its
picturesque church, Little Budir. With smoky
black timber walls contrasting with whiteframed windows and doors, this church is
absolutely charming, providing a quirky yet
simply breathtaking setting for exchanging
your vows. Weddings are created on a tailormade basis to offer maximum flexibility so your
wedding can be as elaborate or low-key as
you wish.
Book it!
Discover the World is offering wedding
packages including a 4 night stay at Budir
hotel. Price: £1,891 including: flights,
accommodation, car hire and wedding fees
based on a Budir church wedding.
Call Discover the World on 1737 214 291 or
visit www.discover-the-world.co.uk
Couples wanting to see one of the world’s
most amazing natural light shows as part of
their unforgettable winter honeymoon can book
the Northern Light Safari package, offered
by leading tour operators Scott Dunn. After
a romantic dip and in-water massage at the
famous Blue Lagoon, honeymooners will then
explore the dramatic south coast from the chic
art deco Hotel Borg in Reykjavik, Iceland’s
quirky capital. By day they will discover the
natural wonders of the Golden Circle on an
exhilarating private super jeep adventure
and can even continue their adventure to
the Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull glaciers to
snowmobile across the icy, winter wonderland.
Then as night falls, they will head out with a
private driver and expert guide to seek the
elusive Northern Lights. The last two nights
will be spent at the boutique Hotel Ranga in
Iceland’s volcanic south.
Book it!
Scott Dunn’s new Northern Lights Safari in
Iceland is available until March 2012 and
between October 2012 - March 2013. Price
from £3,500 per person including two nights
in Reykjavik staying at the Hotel Borg, two
nights at the Hotel Ranga, flights, private
guide and driver for four days, snowmobiling
excursion, entrance to the Blue Lagoon,
Northern Lights evening safari and private
airport transfers.
www.scottdunn.com
Mountain High – the Alps
If you dream of marrying in a pretty Alpine
ski resort, Europe has many sparkling
destinations to offer that will appeal to
winter sports fans or simply couples
looking for a romantic fairytale wedding
in the snow with a stunning mountain
backdrop.
Cortina, Italy
For those looking to say ‘I do’ in an exceptional
location, Cortina, a ski resort high in the Italian
Dolomites offers the winter-white wedding
of your dreams. Cortina offers year-round
weddings and a unique choice of wedding
venues with the splendid Dolomites in the
background. In summer you can have a
romantic ceremony at sunset in the middle of
a flowery meadow, on the terrace of a high
altitude mountain chalet or even a ceremony
and honeymoon themed on mountain-biking
or hiking. Winter weddings have the advantage
of a picture-perfect sparkling snowy setting
and the opportunity to combine a winter
sports honeymoon of skiing or snowboarding.
BestWeddingAway offer wedding packages in
Cortina – including a magical venue, menus,
music and flowers and will even incorporate
the customs and traditions of Cortina into your
wedding. You can be transported to and from
your wedding by horse and carriage and marry
in a choice of venues, including Cortina’s Town
Hall; the Franceschi Park Hotel – for a classic
and elegant wedding in the centre of Cortina
and Rifugio Scoiattoli – a mountain refuge
which is easily accessible by jeep or chairlift
with a spectacular view of the 5 Torri, it’s an
ideal location for those looking for an iconic
mountain backdrop.
Book it!
For more information on services, prices and
bespoke Cortina Winter Wedding packages log
onto: www.bestweddingaway.com
Zermatt, Switzerland
Tucked away in the beautiful Swiss village
of Zermatt, the Hotel Alex is a luxury
boutique hotel and spa, which creates
bespoke winter weddings for couples that
like a cosy, family-run atmosphere. Zermatt
nestles in a deep valley, enclosed between
steep mountainsides, and is dominated by
the huge and gracefully curved pyramid of
the Matterhorn – a stunning backdrop for
your wedding celebration. You can create
a fabulous wedding album of photographs
taken in the cobbled streets and on sleighs
in the car-free town, which prides itself on
being welcoming and friendly. The hotel
Alex wedding coordinators will organise
everything you want including the church
service at Zermatt’s English church, music,
and entertainment, menus, wedding tower
cake and wines. Whether you are planning a
big lavish wedding with up to 170 people or
an intimate affair with just the two of you the
hotel can cater for your requirements. Prices
depend on number of guests and the details
you require.
Book it!
For further information on weddings at Hotel
Alex Contact [email protected]. For
more information on travelling to Switzerland:
www.myswitzerland.com.
Aurora
· Adventure ·
Events ·
Tours ·
Romance
· Gourmet
· Luxury
Perfectly located in a mystical Wonderland
for the trip of your dreams.
Hotel Rangá in south Iceland makes a wonderful romantic getaway and offers relaxed
atmosphere and ambience for spending quality time with your loved ones.
Hotel Rangá has 51 cozy and luxurious rooms including
the one of a kind World Pavilion suites and a stunning Royal Suite.
The restaurant at Hotel Rangá is an acclaimed gourmet restaurant using
predominantly local ingredients of the highest quality and freshness.
www.hotelranga.is
Hotel Rangá 851 Hella Tel. +354 487 5700 Fax +354 487 5701 [email protected] www.hotelranga.is
Winter wonderland – Lapland
From snowed-in chapels, reindeer sleighs
and log cabin ceremonies to igloos and ice
hotels, Lapland is a great destination for
the coolest winter wedding in a whiter than
white setting.
Icehotel, Sweden
Marry in an ice palace in Sweden’s incredibly
stylish Ice Hotel in Kiruna, where TV’s Loose
Women presenter Andrea MacLean was one of
19 guests at her sister Linda’s Ice Wedding.
Linda and her husband Rory exchanged their
vows in temperatures of -30 degrees C at the
Ice Hotel. After the couple had declared ‘I do’ in
the magnificent Ice Chapel, the wedding party
toasted them with vodka cocktails in the Ice
Bar, served in glasses carved from ice before
Linda and Rory retired to the spectacular Ice
Room to spend their wedding night snuggling
together on a block covered in reindeer skin.
For the less brave, there are several warm room
options furnished in modern Scandinavian style,
where the couple and their guests can ‘come in
from the cold’.
The Ice Hotel is constructed entirely of ice,
with a glistening white contemporary interior
filled with ice sculptures and snow carvings.
Civil ceremonies take place in the hotel, while
religious weddings take place in the Ice Chapel
with its rows of ice pews for guests, covered
in reindeer skin. The enchanting Ice Chapel
and Ice Hotel enjoy just a few months of glory
before melting back into the River Tome in
spring, so each year the offering is unique.
Book it!
Discover the World offers a range of tailormade wedding packages for weddings and
blessings at the Ice Hotel. Most stays at the
Ice Hotel are for three nights, with two spent in
warm rooms with prices from £3,815 including:
flights, accommodation, transfers and standard
wedding package. Call: 1737 214 291 or visit
www.discover-the-world.co.uk
Arctic Snow Hotel, Finland
For the ultimate fairytale snow-white
wedding, say ‘I do’ in Rovaniemi, Finland,
the official home of Santa Claus. The
Arctic Snow Hotel can host up to 120
guests and is perfect for the most chilled
wedding in icy surroundings. Each winter
the Snow Chapel is built next to the Arctic
Snow Hotel and offers romantic touches
such as toasting the celebration with
champagne served in an ice glass.
The Snow Hotel offers accommodation
in snow suites, decorated with ice art
and sculpture – perfect for unforgettably
romantic wedding nights. Furniture
throughout the hotel is made of snow,
although thankfully there are mod cons
available including electric lights and soft,
warm blankets for the beds. Guests who
feel the cold can stay in warm rooms
available in the main log building.
The Arctic Snow
Hotel provides a
normal sauna for
guests, however, those feeling particularly
brave can use the hotel’s other sauna with
a twist – the unique snow sauna, which
promises to melt away stress as you
relax together and indulge in this unusual
experience. A snow bath is also offered,
but only for the brave!
Book it!
Rooms for couples are £120 per person
per night and £70 for children.
www.arcticsnowhotel.fi or
www.visitfinland.com/uk
Magnificent Rockies – Canada
Love on Lake Louise
In true North American style, you can get
married anywhere that takes your fancy if you
choose to tie the knot at Lake Louise in the
Canadian Rockies. This majestic UNESCO
World Heritage Site is one of the most romantic
places in the world to say ‘I do’ with an aweinspiring backdrop.
How about a wedding on the ski hill facing the
frozen Lake Louise? Or even in the elegance
of Chateau Lake Louise? The bride and
groom can start married life together with an
evening horse-drawn sleigh ride or, for the
more adventurous romantics, dog sled rides
are an option. Both allow the wedding couple
to experience the breathtaking panoramic
mountains first hand.
Book it!
Frontier Canada is offering wedding
packages at Lake Louise, including
accommodation at the Fairmont Chateau
Lake Louise resort hotel, transfers and flights
with Air Canada starting from £1,349 per
person. www.frontier-travel.co.uk. Crystal
Ski is also offering
tailor-made wedding itineraries and
basic wedding packages at Lake
Louise Ski Hills with prices starting
from £1,499 per couple.
www.crystalski.co.uk/weddings.shtml
Icy Quebec
For the coolest wedding in Canada enter
a magical world where snow and ice are
transformed between January and March into
fabulous decors with towering snow archways
and crystal ice sculptures standing by the
warmth of a roaring fire, North America’s only
Ice Hotel has made its name for its wow-factor
architecture and artistry, which makes an
incredible backdrop to wedding photographs,
as well as its warm hospitality. Couples can
have a spectacular ceremony in the beauty
and splendour of the Hotel de Glace chapel,
where the décor changes every winter, as it
melts and is rebuilt for the next season. Pull up
to the chapel in a horse drawn carriage and
walk down the aisle on a red carpet to the altar
or renew your marriage vows under a hail of
fireworks.
Book it!
Prices for wedding packages start
from £1,513. Log on to
www.hoteldeglace-canada.com
wwwBridesAbroad.tv
73
Get the look
Cool brides
Be a stunning Ice Queen at your sparkling winter wedding!
Icicle bridal bracelet, £199
Icicle bridal jewellery
www.bridaldesignswedding
jewellery.co.uk
Icicle bridal necklace,
£239
Icicle bridal jewellery
www.bridaldesigns
wedding jewellery.co.uk
Sabrina flower hair comb
By John Frost Bridal
Design
White ruffle
feather wrap
By Joan Lee, £145
Wedding coat by
Justine Horrocks
style Marjolein
www.justineXXXX
‘Just Married’
sheepskin boots
www.lovefromaustralia.com
Bespoke teardrop shower
wedding bouquet, £975
Designed by Debbie Carlisle
www.dcbouquets.co.uk
White smooth feather
wrap. By Joan Lee, £145
Cressida crown tiara
By John Frost Bridal
Design, £200
Aruna Seth Cinderella bridal
shoes with 3,000 Swarovski
crystals, £2,300
www.arunaseth.com
7
WEDDINGS
ON THE
WATER
Float away to marital bliss with
a memorable ceremony on the
water that will thrill your guests.
From ocean liner to river
barge, the ideas are inspiring
with prices to fit all budgets.
Here are our favourites!
1
ROYAL ROMANCE AT SEA
WORLDWIDE
Couples choosing to honeymoon aboard a luxury cruise ship can now have their wedding ceremony on board too or if they prefer,
they can arrange to marry at one of the ship’s ports of call. Royal Caribbean International is offering the Royal Romance package
– a full service for weddings and vow renewals with ceremony, reception and honeymoon on board. Couples can choose either
Shipboard Duet or Shipboard Harmony which allow them to marry in a romantic venue on board including in the pretty wedding
chapel in Royal Caribbean’s newly launched Independence of the Seas, or to tie the knot in an exotic island ceremony, historical
city or marry atop an Alaskan glacier at one of Royal Caribbean International’s sailing destinations around the world. Flowers,
photography, videography, spa treatments, stationery/favours, entertainment and transportation can all be arranged and the couple
can continue celebrating on board with a wedding reception to suit their specifications. www.royalcaribbean.co.uk
2
SUBTERRANEAN
FLOATING
CEREMONY
GREECE
3
Exchange your vows in a unique floating wedding
ceremony on Melissani Lake in Kefalonia, Greece. The
beautiful lake was revealed in the 1950s when the roof
overhead collapsed, and now offers a most spectacular
subterranean setting for a wedding, with amazing photo
opportunities to capture the moment. Melissani Lake is
enclosed by grotto walls that are up to 36-metres high and
covered with 20,000-year-old stalactite and stalagmite
formations. Be married in a beautifully decorated boat
floating on the neon-blue water, basking in the vast shaft
of sunlight that floods this ultimate romantic location. The
cost of marrying on the Melissani Lake is from £2,474,
which includes wedding coordinator, boat hire and
decorations, ceremony on the boat, flowers, cake for 12
people, transfers to and from the lake and photographs.
www.ionianweddings.co.uk
BARGE INTO
MARRIED LIFE
ITALY
Take your family and friends on an Italian barge
for a floating holiday in which they join you aboard
for your wedding ceremony with the stunning
Italian waterways as your gorgeous backdrop. You
charter the whole barge for six nights for a cruise
with up to 20 guests, which takes you on a route
taking in Prosecco, Venice and the Po Valley on a
seven day cruise with an Itinerary which includes
dinner at a 17th century private villa, a private wine
tasting and sightseeing in Venice. You can choose
to get married in the town hall in Venice and then
board the barge for the reception, or you can have
the ceremony on board. Costs depend on the
number of guests ranging from £2,250 per person
for 20 guests to £3283.33 per person for just 12
guests. Price includes paperwork and consular
fees, flowers, photographer, violinist for the
ceremony, celebrant, Italian champagne cocktails
and canapés, cake and dinner on board.
Contact The Italian Connection & Spirito
Italiano on: 01424 728900
4
CRUISING
ROUND
THE BIG
APPLE
NEW YORK
One of the most popular overseas
wedding destinations is New York City,
but if you choose to marry in NYC,
instead of taking the usual path and
exchanging vows in Central Park, why
not see the Big Apple from a whole
new perspective? This unique wedding
afloat includes a ceremony on board
one of the luxurious World Yachts with
fabulous views of the famous skyline,
wedding welcome pack, assistance of a
wedding specialist, all tips and gratuities,
witnesses if required, limousine from
hotel to World Yacht, three hours
sailing, cake, dinner and open bar.
From £950 per couple Kuoni offers 7
nights room only at the 5-star Mandarin
Oriental, New York in a standard room
including flights with Virgin Airlines from
Heathrow. Price from £2,760 per person
based on two sharing, includes the
World Yacht Wedding in New York.
www.kuoni.co.uk
5
FLOATING AFRICAN SAFARI WEDDING
MALAWI
Couples staying at the Makokola Retreat, perched along the shores of southern Lake Malawi in central Africa, can now marry
aboard the resort’s 24 metre cruiser, the M.V. Sunbird, for a delightful safari wedding afloat. The stunning backdrops of African
wildlife, including elephant, crocodile, hippos, exotic birds and antelope will create the most amazing wedding photos and an
unforgettable wedding. Lake Malawi, despite being a freshwater lake, is vast and more like an inland sea – crystal clear waters
and beaches of golden sand. A cruise on the M.V. Sunbird is a special way to experience Lake Malawi. The cruiser has been
recently refurbished to offer accommodation for up to eight people comfortably sleeping in three cabins with two bathrooms
and provides excellent meals with a full bar service on board. Wedding charters cruise to Cape Maclear, Monkey Bay in the
Lake Malawi National Park, a world heritage site. Another popular route is to the Liwonde National Park on the Shire River.
www.makokola.com
6
7
SUNSET VOWS ON STAR CLIPPERS
Say ‘I do’ on deck as the sun sets over the sparkling ocean aboard a spectacular tall ship. Star Clippers is offering the
opportunity for a sunset marriage blessing on the upper deck of the company’s four-masted ‘Star Clipper’ or ‘Star Flyer’
and the five-masted ‘Royal Clipper’ conducted by the ship’s captain, attended by uniformed crew. The blessing can be
arranged on Star Clipper voyages in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Central America aboard the 19th century-style
clipper ships. The ships have been recreated for modern-day sailing voyages and have all the mod cons with expansive
teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining and first class accommodation. The romance starts when the couple and
their guests are welcomed on board with champagne and fruit basket in their cabin. Seven nights sailing the Caribbean
on board the Star Clipper costs from £949, wedding package not included. www.starclippers.co.uk
YACHT
WEDDING
CYPRUS
Tie the knot at sea on a yacht in sun drenched
Cyprus for a fabulous nautical wedding. Exclusive
Yacht Weddings are a well established company
in Cyprus offering fully-inclusive weddings on the
Mediterranean and a team of expert wedding
planners to help you every step of the way to
create the perfect wedding afloat. Exclusive Yacht
Weddings offers a fleet of yachts in various shapes
and sizes, from a traditional ‘Jolly Roger’ sailing
vessel to a sleek luxury powerboat. The company
has three wedding all-inclusive wedding packages
– the Admiral’s Package, starting from £6859 for
up to 20 persons, including a 6-hour charter time,
ceremony, decorated cars, a coach for guests,
flowers, photo album and DVD, hair and makeup
and a full champagne reception aboard including
the cake; The Petty Officers Package starts from
£4,995 for up to 20 guests, including a 5-hour
charter time; The Cadet’s Package starts from
£3499 per person. All packages include a personal wedding coordinator to assist with all legal
paperwork, arranging hair and makeup, flowers,
photography, transport and much more.
www.exclusiveyachtweddings.com
Choose a
Celebrity
Wedding
You’ll feel like a star!
W
Cruises can exchange their vows when the
orld renowned for exceptional
Celebrate your
ship is sailing through international waters or
style, service and attention
alternatively whilst docked in a wide selection
to detail, Celebrity Cruises
wedding in style
of exotic destinations including the Caribbean,
is a premium cruise line that
and float away to
USA, South America, the Mediterranean and
delivers a contemporary cruising experience.
more!
Their ships offer innovative design and
the honeymoon of a
décor, impeccable service and unparalleled
and dining options. Add to that the
Honeymoons afloat
lifetime on an indulgent spa
enthralling element of waking up each day to a
Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning ships have
different backdrop of an exciting new tropical
cruise – one of the
been created by the world’s top designers
destination, historical port or vibrant city and
and marine architects with a host of
the cruise experience is complete.
most exciting and
innovative groundbreaking features to create
an unforgettable onboard experience for
memorable ways to
Marry on land or sea
your big day and a fun, relaxing and exciting
For couples who want to avoid the time and
tie the knot.
honeymoon.
usual hassles involved in planning a wedding,
Celebrity Cruises offers the perfect solution
with all-inclusive wedding packages arranged
by dedicated wedding coordinators.
Exotic destination weddings are becoming
increasingly popular and more than 300
couples say “I do” onboard a Celebrity Cruise
ship each year. Couples cruising with Celebrity
Close to home, Celebrity Cruises operates
the 2,850-guest Celebrity Eclipse from
Southampton during the summer season with
cruises departing to such romantic hotspots
as Rome, Barcelona and Venice. Celebrity
Eclipse boasts a real onboard grass lawn on
the top deck, and onboard highlights including
an Apple internet café, art tours, 10 speciality
restaurants and bars, a fitness centre with
dedicated personal trainers, a theatre showing
the best in off Broadway musicals and
entertainment; a casino and even a worldclass spa.
Celebrity Eclipse offers a wide choice of
possibilities for your honeymoon. Whether
you and your partner want to keep busy, keep
active or just be pampered, you can do it all
onboard.
The Wedding
Experience
The Celebrity Cruises ‘Wedding Experience’
package coordinates all in-port weddings
and vow renewals, and can plan weddings
performed at sea. The number of weddings
permitted on each sailing is limited so book
ahead to avoid disappointment. Celebrity
Cruises ships are registered in Malta and in
accordance with Maltese law, couples who
wish to be married by a Celebrity Cruises
captain in international waters should allow for
at least eight week’s land-based lead time in
order to process the required legal documents.
Any weddings performed onboard the ship
must be in conjunction with a booked cruise
and a valid marriage license must be obtained
from the jurisdiction in which the wedding will
take place.
At-sea weddings
For the ultimate in maritime matrimony, why
not have your special day officiated by the
ship’s captain? Captain-led weddings are
available for couples that would like to be
married while sailing the seas. Captainperformed wedding packages start from
USD $2,500.
Vow renewal packages
As more couples choose to renew their
wedding vows, Celebrity Cruises has the ‘True
Love Knot Renewal’ and the ‘Aisle to Isle
Renewal’ ceremony packages available. The
True Love Knot Renewal package includes
a ceremony carried out by the ship’s captain
in an intimate location onboard the ship;
commemorative vow renewal certificate signed
by the captain; recorded ceremony music;
floral bouquet and matching boutonniere;
photography service; a signed photo of the
couple with the captain; a photo of the ship;
champagne; engraved champagne flutes;
cake for two, and breakfast delivered to the
couple’s stateroom. The Aisle to Isle Renewal
ceremony is led by a shipboard official and
includes recorded music; champagne; cake
for two; a commemorative certificate; a rose
and matching boutonniere and photography
service. These packages can be customised
further, with live music, spa and salon
appointments and more.
Further information
www.heritageletelfair.com
www.heritagethevillas.mu
RealWEDDINGS
Love on a
Tall Ship
Ineke and Jan’s nautical nuptials afloat
I
t’s not just couples in the UK who
are choosing to move away from
traditional church weddings and have
a wow-factor wedding abroad instead.
Ineke Thiry who works as a horseracing
organiser and her fiance Jan Van den
Broecke, a Consumer Psychologist from
Ghent in Belgium said ‘I do’ aboard a
romantic Tall Ship for a truly spectacular
wedding ceremony.
We met during a VIP opening of a culinary
event I organised, where he was invited by
my father. The event had Thailand as guest
country, with a Thai buffet. I was sitting next
to the Ambassador of Thailand and Jan
was sitting at the table next to me. I was so
busy organising I didn’t notice him in the
beginning. But for Jan it was love at first
sight. Afterwards he told me, he was jealous
of the Ambassador!
The proposal
Jan proposed to me in the Sirocco Skybar
in Bangkok, which I had visited a couple
of years before, and had shown him some
pictures mentioning this was one of the nicest
locations I ever visited. He remembered! After
dinner when I went to the powder room, he
ordered champagne and after the glasses
were filled he asked me if I wanted to share
the rest of my life with him. It was totally
unexpected. I had been joking about it, and
almost found the ring while packing our
bags before we left on holiday (he told me
afterwards) but I never expected it.
Location location
Officially we got married in the town hall of
our hometown Ghent, but we didn’t want
the regular wedding ceremony in a church,
so we decided to have the ceremony during
our honeymoon. Jan asked if a wedding
ceremony on the boat was allowed, and
it was! Until a couple of years ago I was
a competitive rower, so I like boats and
Jan seemed to share this passion – so for
us it was a dream to get married on this
legendary sailing boat instead of a church.
The planning
We made our own arrangements, with the
help of the Star Clipper Staff, especially
Anita, the Hotel Manager on the Royal
Clipper! They were the best!
Everything was planned in detail! There
was even live music during the ceremony!
I planned very little before we went - I
just took my wedding dress with me
and hoped that everything would be ok!
The second day of our cruise we had
a meeting with Anita aboard the Royal
Clipper, to plan the whole ceremony. She
made the arrangements with the captain,
and the other officers. Everything was
perfect!
RealWEDDINGS
The guests
We didn’t take any guests with us, it was
just the two of us! We invited our family
and friends on our official wedding day in
Belgium and didn’t talk about our plans for
the Tall Ship blessing because we wanted a
very intimate ceremony.
Getting the look
I was wearing the same dress as on our
official wedding in Belgium, which I bought
in Le Chapeau in Antwerp. Since I was a
little girl I dreamed about a dress from this
special shop. I tried more than 20 dresses
during the first visit, but I stuck to my first
choice, a white dress from Pronovias. I wore
Guess shoes - my favourite shoe brand. I
didn’t like the white wedding shoes you find
in wedding shops, so I chose golden Guess
pumps. My necklace and bracelet were
made out of the same fabric as my dress.
Jan gave me the perfect pair of earrings on
our wedding day! I did my own hair, but the
staff of the Captain Nemo’s Spa on board of
the Royal Clipper helped with the make-up.
Jan wore a black Armani suit, white shirt
and a black tie. As for bridesmaids – In
Belgium, my two best friends Katrien and
Eve were bridesmaids. I just asked them to
wear a dress. We didn’t arrange a specific
dress, so they could both dress in their own
style. Katrien was wearing a black Karen
Millen dress. Eve had chosen a gorgeous
grey dress. They were both very beautiful.
During the ceremony on the Royal Clipper
we had a very special bridesmaid! Julie
Peasgood, apparently a well known actress
in the UK! (Julie is a popular actress and
TV presenter! Ed) She offered to be my
bridesmaid spontaneously. We didn’t know
her, but she was so friendly and we had so
much fun!
The details
In Belgium after the official wedding service,
which took place in an old abbey in the
centre of Ghent, we had a Thai buffet by
Blue Elephant, refering to our first contact
and our engagement in Bangkok. On the
Royal clipper we didn’t need a theme,
the location was more than perfect! The
staff surprised us with a huge chocolate
cake and a bottle of champagne after
the ceremony! The same night we found
another chocolate cake in our cabin!
The ceremony
The ceremony took place in the most
special location on board the Royal Clipper
– on the bridge! The ceremony lasted
half an hour and we were married by the
captain Brunon Borowka, Master of the S.
P. V. Royal Clipper. Ten minutes before the
ceremony, Jan went to the bridge where he
waited for me. I was led to the bridge
by the Swedish head of the sports team –
which worried Jan a bit!! But luckily he didn’t
have to wait very long. As part of a special
wedding tradition for the Royal Cipper we
had to lay our right hand on the ship’s wheel
while saying our vows!
The reception
Our wedding reception aboard the Royal
Clipper was held at the bridge and the
tropical bar, where we invited the captain
and the officers of the Royal Clipper. Then
Mary Stuart-Miller the UK PR agent of Star
Clippers invited us to her table, and we
met even more people. We had a great
night, with great people we didn’t know in
advance. They even wrote a speech and
gave us little presents! Our first dance was
to Marriah Mckee, ‘Show Me Heaven’.
In Belgium we had a videoclip made
during our wedding day of us dancing to
this song, the clip was shown during our
first dance. http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=qxagse0j5kM
Our wedding photos aboard the Royal
Clipper were taken by Lida Titova. My
favourites are the ones taken just afer the
ceremony with blue sky, no stress and we
were so happy…
Magic moments
Our best memory was of the special
location – we got married just off the coast
of Lipari on an amazing sailing ship in the
sun. My funniest memories are after the
ceremony, climbing into the bow net of the
boat in my wedding dress AND wearing high
heels for the photos!
On budget?
The whole wedding cost us just the price of
our cruise and the bar bill.
Further information
Wedding Venue: Royal Clipper
www.starclippers.co.uk
Photography: Photos on the Royal Clipper
: Lida Titova
Steal
Ineke’s
Style
Feminine and ladylike,
Ineke sailed away in
sophisticated style with
just a hint of vintage lace
and finery aboard the
historical tall ship.
Jessica floral necklace
by June Ellen, £25
Hollywood silver
cuff, £129
www.AnjliLondon.com
Satin bow bridal bag
by June Ellen, £25
Feather hair comb
by June Ellen
Bridal shoes, style Betty, £80
Dress by Johanna Hehir,
style Serena
www.johanna-hehir.com
5Hot Spots
Latin American
If you are planning a destination wedding, then let your spirit
of adventure guide you to exotic Latin America where your
First Dance just has to be the tango, says Effie Kanya
L
atin America may not be the first place in the world you
think of saying ‘I do’, but with its incredible landscapes,
ranging from the Amazonian rain forest to vast mountain
regions, its fabulous beaches and diverse culture, it offers
brides and grooms a breathtaking, unforgettable location
to tie the knot. Add to that the fact that it offers warm sunshine
during our British winter months, as well as the chance to party
to seductive Latin American rhythms, and it emerges as a perfect
destination for winter weddings.
1
Argentina
A regal wedding
Since the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess
of Cambridge this year, glamorous, sophisticated
weddings have become the fashion again, and
Argentina is synonymous with old world glamour,
wealth and passion; so where better to host a
wedding fit for royalty than in a country which offers
imposing colonial architecture, stunning landscapes,
mouth-watering cuisine and vibrant culture. The
country has enjoyed a heady revival in the past few
years with Madonna, Shakira and Beyoncé all huge
fans, and of course, Katie Price’s recent Argentinian
squeeze all promoting the assets of Argentina and
its people.
Couples can find idyllic locations to suit their chosen style of
wedding – from vibrant cities to isolated tranquillity – miles of white
sandy beaches and pristine glacial lakesides. Without a doubt,
Latin America offers some of the best settings in the world for the
ultimate wedding. However, if you are looking for inspiration, here
are our top five locations from across Latin America to stage five
very different weddings.
Buenos Aires - city of romance
At the heart of Argentina lies undoubtedly the most romantic city in the
whole of Latin America, Buenos Aires, a glamorous city, which is known
to the locals as La Pequeña Europa or ‘Little Europe’
The city’s stunning colonial architecture dates from the 17th century
with even modern buildings built to recreate neo classical style. Its wide
facades and numerous landscaped parks are reminiscent of a modern
day French or Italian city. The 14-hour flight from the UK may seem long
but it is well worth it just to experience the food, rhythm and romance.
The Alvear Palace Hotel
- grandiose splendour
The most famous and opulent hotel in Argentina is the Alvear Palace.
Since its opening in 1932, the hotel, which is reminiscent of a 17th
century French palace, has received world acclaim for its impeccable
service. Based in the upmarket neighbourhood of Recoletta, it has
hosted royalty including our own royal family (Prince Charles stayed
here on his last visit to the country), film and music stars and the
super rich. Past guests have included Sophia Loren, Walt Disney,
Matt Damon, Salma Hayek, Oliver Stone and Naomi Campbell to
name but a few.
The hotel offers five-star cuisine in its award winning La Bourgogne
restaurant and has a legendary wine cellar, Le Cave. Guests can
also take high tea in its beautiful Orangery - Le Jardin D’Hiver, with its
enclosed outdoor garden. The hotel has 210 rooms and suites with
personal butler service; health club; luxurious spa which exclusively
stocks Hermes products, its chic lobby bar and separate cigar bar.
prefer. The hotel offers a designated wedding planner, photographer,
fresh flowers for the bride and reception, champagne and the wedding
cake at an additional cost. The hotel also offers the following for a
three night minimum stay: Accommodation in Junior Suite or De Luxe
Suite (upgrade to Premier Category); buffet breakfast at L`Orangerie
Restaurant. In room wedding arrival welcome of sparkling wine and
chocolate coated strawberries. An intimate dinner for two at La
Bourgogne Restaurant with wines selected by their Sommelier. Rates
from £222 per room per night.
A wedding fit for a King & Queen
Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires.
The hotel’s 12 magnificent banqueting and ballroom rooms and suites
are all sumptuously decorated in a French Rococo style and can host
weddings of up to 800 people or a more intimate gathering if you
Further Information
www.alvearpalace.com
For wedding package details contact: [email protected]
+54 11 4808-2187
Chile
The wedding at the
end of the world
2
Chile may sound chilly, but it is a warm welcome that awaits couples
that venture to this amazing country to exchange their wedding vows.
However, the real gem is hidden deep in the south. Fly two hours south
of the capital Santiago to discover untouched, luscious landscape
teeming with wildlife and unspoilt views in Latin America’s best kept
secret - the region of Aysen in the idyllic region of Patagonia. Aysen
is a secret haven of deep blue glacial lakes, spectacular
mountain ranges and abundant wildlife.
The region is sparsely populated, which explains the sheer beauty
of the undisturbed landscape with its glaciers and ice fields; the
most famous glacier in the region is the Laguna San Rafael,
reachable only by boat or plane. For couples wanting
an awesome wedding location who also
enjoy exploring vast landscapes,
this setting is truly paradise on earth.
Puyahuapi Lodge
and Spa
- lost in paradise
Puyuhuapi is one of the most romantic lakeside lodges in Latin America.
It is a natural paradise with breathtaking views of the lake. Guests wake
up to views of spectacular sunrises and can relax in the evening on their
private balcony with sunsets guaranteed to take your breath away. This
five star lodge offers excursions to the nearby Queulat National Park, the
hanging glacier, hiking in the surrounding areas or kayaking across the
lake. In the adjoining forest next to the lake are ‘healing waters’ of the
thermal pools, which can be enjoyed by day or by romantic candlelight
at night. The hotel also boasts a five-star luxury spa with a range of
relaxing and luxurious treatments. At the end of their stay guests have
the chance to opt for the once in a lifetime trip to the famous Laguna
San Rafael on board the hotel’s own luxury catamaran.
Romantic island weddings
Your wedding can take place either within the hotel itself or on its nearby
private island. The hotel’s Michelin star quality cuisine offers three to five
courses of absolutely delicious, locally sourced food and produce. The
hotel can arrange a Civil Minister, photographer, witnesses, translators,
wedding cake, fresh flowers for the bride, champagne, bridal suite and
marriage certificate for £300. Prices for three nights only Puyuhuapi
Lodge & Spa, not including the San Rafael Glacier tour are from £795
p/p double room; five nights – including four nights in Puyuhuapi and
one night in Chacabuco, including San Rafael Glacier start from £1350
p/p double room.
Further Information
www.patagonia-connection.com
Or email:
[email protected]
Tel: +56 2 2256489
Aysen at a glance
Location:
Aysen is
situated in the heart of the
Chilean Patagonia. Its surface
represents 15 per cent of
the country’s territories. The
region capital is Coyahique.
Flights:
There are direct
flights from Santiago to
Aysen. LAN has 3 daily flights
and Sky airline has two daily
flights. Duration 2.20 hours.
Activities:
Fly fishing,
biking, trekking, kayaking,
horseriding, gastronomy,
culture and traditions.
Main attractions:
Carretera Austral, Patagonia
ice fields, Carrera Lake, San
Rafael lagoon, Cerro Castillo,
Tortel.
Best food:
Grilled
Patagonian lamb – just
delicious.
Wine: Chilean of course!
Ideal to combine
with: Santiago
Best time to visit:
September to April. The high
season in Chile is January
to the mid of April when the
average daytime temperature
in the Chilean summer is
20°C (during the day).
Internet
information:
Facebook: Explore Aysen;
Twitter: @exploreaysen
Website:
www.exploreasyen.com
3
Uruguay
The celebrity wedding
Glitzy Uruguay has been attracting the rich and famous
over the years due to its elite resorts in Carmelo and the
ultra exclusive Jose Ignacio. In equal amounts, private
jets, helicopters and super yachts grace the resorts, with
celebrities and wealthy independent travellers desperate
to experience the seclusion, five-star entertainment and
facilities that the resorts offer.
Carmelo is a gorgeous city, situated in the district of
Colonia and on the banks of the Río de la Plata, with a rich
religious history. The original settlement was named after
a virgin saint Del Carmen who is said to appear at Mount
Carmelo and is celebrated every year with a festival.
Jose Ignacio Hotel
The Four
Jose Ignacio
Seasons, Carmelo - jet set favourite
Four Seasons Resort
- celebrity’s secret
retreat
Four Seasons Resort
The award winning luxurious resort closely
guards the names of its celebrity clientele.
This serene and intimate five-star resort
boasts some of the most spectacular
restaurants and spa offerings on the
continent. Ideally situated beside the
Rio de la Plata, the retreat has spacious
bungalows and bi-level suites nestled
in grounds shrouded in privacy and set
amongst fragrant pine and eucalyptus
trees. The Four Seasons also offers
a championship golf course and is
minutes away from a winery, marina and
equestrian centre.
Stunning wedding
locations
Four Seasons Resort
The hotel offers several stunning wedding
locations where you can stage your
perfect day. The hotel offers a wedding
planner, photographer, wedding cake
and flowers and can assist with a
minister for the blessing. The average
cost for a food and beverage wedding
package, which includes cocktail
reception, dinner and beverages is
approximately £100 + tax at 22 per
cent per person. For more information
about the hotel’s wedding packages
go to their website: http://www.
fourseasons.com/Carmelo; Twitter:
http://twitter.com/@FSCarmelo;
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
FourSeasonsResortCarmelo
Situated 100 miles from the capital
Montevideo and facing the Atlantic ocean,
this super exclusive resort teems with
luxury and all the trappings of a resort that
is used to catering to the very rich. Visitors
can expect to enjoy the best in international
cuisine, smart boutiques and the famous
Brava beach which hosts the most exclusive
beach parties and concerts and is bristling
with supermodels, celebrities and the wealthy
who flock from all over the globe to see and
be seen. Naomi Watts, Michael Schumacher,
Giselle and Naomi Campbell have all visited.
Estancia Vik
- seven star luxury
This seven star celebrity haunt hotel with only
12 rooms is unlike anything you will have ever
experienced - modelled on an Uruguayan
traditional ranch and filled with original
pieces of art from some of Uruguay’s leading
artists. This Spanish colonial-style hotel is a
50,000 sq ft structure designed by Marcelo
Daglio and is set in 4,000 rolling acres of
countryside. This impressive hotel features
white adobe walls and red tin roofs with
covered walkways linking multiple outdoor
courtyards and idyllic gardens.
Romantic chapel
weddings
The hotel has everything a couple could need
for the perfect wedding; it has a romantic
chapel nestled in a grove of ancient native
trees, which has been specially created
4
Brazil
A honeymoon in
paradise
Buzios - the beachside retreat
Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders, this
picturesque fishing village, situated two and a half hours by car
from Rio, has been voted one of the ten most beautiful areas in
the world. Buzios is famous for its unique combination of rustic
charm, architectural harmony, incredible beauty and sophisticated
boutiques and restaurants frequented by discerning visitors
who come from all over the world to savour its magic. Its
27 sandy coves contain some of the prettiest beaches
in Brazil, all spread around a peninsula.
Insólito Boutique Hotel
and Spa
- romantic honeymoon haven
For couples looking for an idyllic, romantic spot for their honeymoon,
away from the world’s better-known beach resorts, Insólito Boutique
Hotel is a perfect choice. This beautiful retreat has a sustainable
integration with nature and is set on a gorgeous Ferradura Beach,
one of the prettiest sandy beaches in Buzios. Insolito is built on a
rock outcrop overlooking the beach and retains an intimate, relaxed
atmosphere throughout. Set in the middle of lush tropical vegetation,
guests wake up with breathtaking beachside views. The hotel’s 20
guest rooms have a quaint mix of rustic charm and luxury. If you want
total couple pampering you have come to the right place, the hotel
has a Wellness Centre for massages and Indian rituals to guarantee
relaxation by the sea. In the restaurant guests can explore a FrancoBrazillian fusion of flavours in an enchanting setting with stunning
views of Ferradura Beach.
For active rest, Insólito has a sweet water pool, a saltwater pool, a
dry sauna, a steam sauna, Jacuzzi and Ofurô. There are also three
bicycles, which are available for use by the guests, as well as two
boats, the Rush boat, for tours around the main beaches in Buzios,
and a speedboat for waterskiing and wakeboarding.
Further Information
Insolito Hotel, Buzios, Brazil
Call: +55 22 2623 2172
[email protected]
www.insolitohotel.com
Colombia
A wedding inside
5
a fortress
Cartagena - the next big thing
For a beach side wedding with a difference, head to the culturally
diverse fortressed city of Cartagena. In 1984, Cartagena’s colonial
walled city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
African and Hispanic influences are not only visible in the diversity of
the stunning locals but in the eclectic cuisine and rich music scene.
From Cartagena visitors can board boats to visit the Rosario
islands, which are said to have some of the most unspoilt
beaches in Latin America. We say it’s the next big thing
because it has been a well kept secret for years
but celebrities, including Denzel Washington,
Bill Clinton, Mick Jagger, Marc Jacobs and
Martha Stewart are already huge
fans of this historical city.
Hotel Casa Pestagua
- unbridled beauty
For couples who really want to go for something truly spectacular
Casa Pestagua, known as ‘Casa más bella de Cartagena’ (the most
beautiful house in Cartagena), belonged to the 18th Century Count
of Pestagua, a rich and powerful aristocrat who gave his name to
this mansion. Distinguished by its exquisite architecture, today the
Casa Pestagua offers 5-star luxury hotel services, with the comfort
and technology expected by the most demanding hotel guest.
This boutique hotel offers 11 rooms housed in opulent grounds. It
also offers a totally personalised service in an oasis of peace and
tranquillity. Sheltered by its surrounding walls you have all the privacy
you could ever desire. Contact the hotel directly to get prices for their
bespoke wedding packages.
Hotel Santa Clara
- monastic excellence
Originally built as a monastery in 1621, the Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel
is situated in the heart of Cartagena. The hotel’s walls, which acted
as a shield in ancient times, combine with colonial balconies to
evoke the splendour of days gone by. The hotel has 119 beautiful
bedrooms, including 17 suites, which offer views over the historical
city or the azure waters of the Caribbean sea. The hotel offers
bespoke wedding packages for couples. Contact the hotel directly
for further information.
Further Information
Further Information
Hotel Casa Pestagua, Cartagena, Colombia
Hotel Santa Clara, Cartagena, Colombia
http://www.casapestagua.com
www.hotelsantaclara.com
Happy
Hens
There was a time when a
hen party was an excuse to
hit the local nightspots with
your mates. While that’s
still fun without a doubt,
the latest trends are for
something more creative or
adventurous. Here are our
top suggestions, depending
on your budget.
1
BEST FOR SWEET
TOOTHED HENS
Whoopie Pies –
better than cupcakes!
Gather up your girlfriends and let them be the first to get
in on the new American craze for whoopie pies with a
fun cookery lesson for your hen day. The Cocktails &
Whoopie Pie hen activity lesson is a unique workshop
where you will have fun and giggles with the girls as you all
learn how to create whoopie pies – a delicious macaroon
that is popular in America and is set to knock the cupcake
out of its position as the number one tea time sweet
treat. Chocolate lovers will also be delighted to learn that
chocolate martinis will be served to sip while creating
your masterpieces. This two-hour workshop includes
all equipment, tuition and ingredients and takes place in
London and Brighton. Price per person depends on the
number of hens in your group. To obtain a quote and
book log on to: www.gohen.com
BEST FOR MYSTIC HENS
Tarot & Tea Party
Will the maid of honour run off with the best man? Who will catch the bouquet? Is married life going to be rosy? Give your
hens a glimpse into their future over a sumptuous afternoon tea consisting of tea, delicious finger sandwiches, scrummy
scones with jam and clotted cream and gorgeous cupcakes – oh, and with a tarot reading thrown in for good measure!
Tea Party are party planners that will arrange this unique tea party for parties of 10-20 hens in a hidden venue in North
London with pink candy striped walls, a pink chandelier and beautifully laid tables that are adorned with vintage china,
flowers and pretty napkins. Sit back, sip some bubbly and find out what life holds for you with a personal tarot reading
from a gifted reader who’ll be able to answer any burgeoning questions that you and your hens may have. Prices vary
depending on the numbers of your group. www.teaparty.uk.com
2
3
BEST FOR HENS ON A MISSION
The Bootcamp Challenge
Kick your hens into shape and ensure you are all looking fit and feeling fab in time for your wedding with a residential fitness
programme that is guaranteed to improve both mind and body, while providing a fun and bonding experience. GI Jane
bootcamp in Kent is a high intensity physical training course from a team of fitness experts, all of whom have trained in the
British armed forces. The women-only bootcamp offers a range of courses for all ages and abilities, which are guaranteed to
help you lose weight and feel stronger both physically and emotionally. Activities include: hill walking, cycling, boxing, circuit
training, core training, zip wiring, army assault courses and much more. G.I Jane is no spa. Bootcampers are pushed to their
limit and beyond, but the results are amazing. A week-long course costs £1150 per person and a weekend course £399 per
person including all food, drink and activities, fitness and dietary advice. www.gijanebootcamp.co.uk
4
BEST FOR
NATURE
LOVING HENS
Glamping for Babes
in the Woods
Forget L-plates and embarrassing nightclub
shenanigans, a wooded wonderland weekend
of glamping is where it’s at for hen-in-theknow this year. A new Devon based company
called ‘Babes in the Woods’ is offering a
totally new concept in hen parties. This
glamping is no rumble in the jungle - it’s all
about comfortable woodland living, complete
with champagne and Devonshire cream
teas. Set in 300 acres of beautiful woodland
on the Raleigh Estate in South Devon,
accommodation is in stylishly furnished bell
tents with comfy camp beds and a host of
activities laid on including: bushcraft skills
such as fire and shelter building, wild nature
walks and chill out time in front of a roaring
fire. Weekends start at £195 per person,
including all activities, meals and camping
for one night. Stays can be extended to two
nights at a supplement of £35 per person.
Suitable for groups of 8-20 hens.
www.babesinthewoods.co.uk
BEST FOR
BARGAIN
HUNTERS
5
Save in a Mallorcan
farmhouse
Brides-to-be and hens looking for affordable
luxury abroad can book a Mallorcan
Farmhouse out of season and spend a
fabulous week in Mallorca for a fraction of
the cost – perfect for recharging the batteries
and topping up the tan before the big day.
Self-catering accommodation specialists
Mallorca Farmhouses are offering savings of
up to 20 per cent on selected properties in
Mallorca with accommodation around the
island to suit all tastes. All come with a private
pool, maid service and starter pack. There are
plenty of options to choose for groups during
the low-season, for example Cullera is a villa
with far reaching sea views situated just a few
minutes drive from the chic shops, bars and
restaurants of Cala d’Or. Prices start from
under £121 per person based on six sharing,
leaving plenty of cash left over to fully enjoy
the local delights. www.mallorca.co.uk
6
BEST FOR
WEST END
WANNABES!
Dirty Dancing!
Hen nights have just got a whole lot raunchier
with the launch of the UK’s Dirty Dancing
experience featuring genuine west end stars,
including Johnny Castle. Dancing Hen Nights
offer bespoke two-hour London west end
dancing classes specially designed for hens
based on famous musicals. You and your
hens will be taught well-known stylish moves
by hunky leading men from various west end
shows – and you’ll all be dancing like the
stars before you know it! All abilities, ages and
fitness levels can learn, achieve and above all
enjoy their dancing experience at the exclusive
INC Space in Covent Garden. Prices from
just £39.95 a head including complimentary
bubbly, a two-hour dancing workshop,
unlimited wine, refreshments and video footage
of your day. For more information visit: www.
dancinghennights.co.uk
7
BEST FOR ROCK CHICS
Party like divas in Las Vegas
Treat your hens like VIPs by whisking them off to Las Vegas to party like rock stars! Red Carpet VIP offers hens the ultimate VIP
experience – from cruising along The Strip in a ‘nightclub on wheels’ to getting VIP treatment in the casinos. Red Carpet VIP is a
company dedicated to ensuring you are treated like divas on your VIP trip to Las Vegas. Your host at Red Carpet VIP can advise
you on the best places to party and can ensure that you have access to top nightclubs and bypass the queues. They can also
organise a reservation for the best tables and have drinks served to your table all night long. www.vipnight.com
8
BEST FOR
SUNSEEKING
HENS
Golf and pampering
in Portugal
Pamper and indulge yourself and your hens on
a luxurious spa and golf weekend on Portugal’s
Atlantic coast for year-round sunshine,
relaxation and bonding before your big day,
at the gorgeous new Oitavos hotel and spa
just 20-minutes from Lisbon. The hotel, which
boasts an ocean-inspired spa and links golf
course, is situated in stunning surroundings
overlooking the Ocean. Treat your hens to
beautifying and therapeutic spa treatments
and enjoy playing golf under an azure sky. The
Oitavos is offering a ‘Hen Weekend’ package
for brides-to-be and up to nine of their best
girlfriends, which includes: two nights B&B in a
superior room; one spa treatment per person;
one group beginners golf lesson with a pro; a
cocktail at The Bar; fine dining in the gourmet
restaurant and complimentary shuttle to the
local market town of Cascais. Price £337 per
person based on a group of 10 people.
www.theoitavos.com
Weather
permitting
Do you want to sizzle at the hottest wedding
of the year or are you a cool bride
looking for a seriously chilled location?
Check out our weather guide to help you choose the perfect destination throughout the year
At a glance
Best for May-October
Best for November-April
• Tahiti, Fiji and other Pacific Islands
• Mauritius & Seychelles • North America • Hawaii
• Canada • Kenya • Tanzania & Zanzibar
• Europe • Queensland & Barrier Reef
• Caribbean • Mexico • Thailand
• Australia & New Zealand
• Maldives • South Africa
• Dubai • European ski destinations
January
February
Hot Spots
Hot Spots
Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Hawaii
Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand
Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Hawaii
Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand
Cool & Chilled
Cool & Chilled
Canada, European Alps
Iceland, Scandinavia, USA
Canada, European Alps,
Something Different
Something Different
Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco
New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco
New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari
Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania
Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania
Avoid
Avoid
Alaska, Borneo
Alaska,
March
April
Hot Spots
Hot Spots
Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia
Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand
Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia
Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Malaysia.
Maldives, Mexico
Cool & Chilled
Canada, USA, European Alps, Scandinavia, Iceland
Something Different
Argentina, Egypt, India, Morocco, New Zealand, Hong Kong
Jungle Safari
Cool & Chilled
European Alps, Scandinavia
Something Different
Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India
Jungle Safari
Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Costa Rica, Kenya, South Africa
Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Belize, Zambia
Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Costa Rica, South Africa, Zambia
Avoid
Avoid
Alaska
Alaska, Kenya, Tanzania
May
June
Hot Spots
Hot Spots
Brazil, Cyprus, Dubai, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii
Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico,
Seychelles, Spain, Thailand
Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii, Indonesia, Italy,
Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA
Cool & Chilled
Cool & Chilled
Alaska, Iceland
Canada, European Alps,
Something Different
Something Different
Cook Islands, Egypt, Hong Kong, France, Ireland, Italy,
Morocco, Scandinavia
Alaska, New Zealand
Jungle Safari
Belize, Borneo, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia
Avoid
Caribbean, Cuba, Kenya,
Maldives, Tanzania
Jungle Safari
Borneo, Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia
Avoid
Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai,
Egypt, Maldives
July
August
Hot Spots
Hot Spots
Canada, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii
Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA
Canada, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Seychelles, Spain, USA
Cool & Chilled
Cool & Chilled
Alaska, Iceland
Alaska, Iceland
Something Different
Something Different
France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Peru,
Scandinavia, Scotland, Spain
France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Peru,
Scandinavia, Scotland
Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari
Borneo, Botswana, Kenya,
Borneo, Botswana, Kenya,
Tanzania, Zambia
Tanzania, Zambia
Avoid
Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, Egypt
Avoid
Belize, Caribbean, Costa Rica
Cuba, Dubai, Egypt
September
October
Hot Spots
Hot Spots
Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece, Hawaii
Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain, USA
Australia, Brazil, Cyprus, Dubai, Fiji, French Polynesia, Greece,
Hawaii, Malaysia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Spain
Cool & Chilled
Cool & Chilled
Alaska, New Zealand
Canada, USA
Something Different
Something Different
Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Peru, Sri Lanka, USA
Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Morocco, Sri Lanka, USA
Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari
Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, South Africa,
Tanzania, Zambia
Belize, Borneo, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania
Zambia, South Africa
Avoid
Avoid
Belize, Caribbean,
Cuba, Costa Rica
Alaska, Belize, Caribbean,
Costa Rica, Cuba
November
December
Hot Spots
Hot Spots
Australia, Brazil, Dubai, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Mauritius,
Maldives, Mexico, Thailand
Australia, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Dubai, French Polynesia,
Hawaii, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Thailand
Cool & Chilled
Cool & Chilled
Canada, Scandinavia, USA
Canada, European Alps, Scandinavia, USA
Something Different
Something Different
Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco,
New Zealand, Sri Lamka, USA
Argentina, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Morocco,
New Zealand, Sri Lanka, USA
Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari
Belize, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania
Belize, Costa Rica, Kenya,
South Africa,Tanzania
Avoid
Alaska, Borneo
Avoid
Alaska, Borneo
Wedding
Countdown
Don’t be caught out! Set your diary for
our month-by-month wedding checklist
12 MONTHS
• Decide on a budget
• Fix a date and time
• Decide on guest numbers
• Research to find your perfect venue!
• Check world weather
11 MONTHS
• Send out save the day cards
• Take out wedding insurance and include your wedding dress
• Make appointments to try out
wedding dresses
• Start downloading music if planning a
CD for reception
• Check availability at resorts and
get prices
10 MONTHS
• Book your hotel and wedding package
• Order invitations and envelopes as well as place cards
• Inform guests of travel plans and give them your tour operator details so they can work out their own arrangements
• Set up a honeymoon gift list
• Pick your bridesmaids, ushers and
best man
• Decide on your dress – allow at least four
months for a made-to-measure gown to be delivered
9 MONTHS
• Start thinking about a theme
for your wedding
• Choose and order your
bridesmaids outfits
• Discuss with your wedding planners what
documents you need
• Check your passport is up to date
• Arrange your travel insurance
8 MONTHS
• If you are having a religious ceremony, discuss readings and choose music for
your service
• Check whether readings and music are
permitted for a civil ceremony
7 MONTHS
• Choose and order favours
• Shop for table decorations, confetti
and trimmings
• Choose shoes and accessories for you and your bridesmaids
6 MONTHS
• Remind your fiancé to get his and the
ushers’ outfits
• Choose gifts for your attendants, best man, mum and helpers
• Chase up any guests who haven’t
responded
5 MONTHS
• Book a consultation with your hairstylist
• Start your course of Restylane fillers, permanent hair removal, cosmetic tweaks and slimming treatments
4 MONTHS
• Go shopping for honeymoon clothes
• Check whether you need visas or
inoculations
• Start arrangements for your stag and
hen party
• Start your diet and fitness campaign
3 MONTHS
• Check that you have received all the Honeymoon
checklist
6 MONTHS
• Do your research
• Health and safety – check for travel advice
and updates at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (fco.gov.org)
• Set the honeymoon budget
5 MONTHS
• Make your choice early as airline prices
can soar for late bookings
• Check on visas
• Check your passport is up to date
4 MONTHS
• Have your jabs
• Start health and fitness plan
correct documentation, including travel tickets. Check the details carefully for correct names, dates and times of flights
• Inform the tour operator of guests who are
staying at different hotels – day passes
need to be arranged for them
• Book a make-up session at a department
store and choose your
wedding make-up. Make sure it is heat
-and-water-resistant if you are going to hot climes
• Choose your ‘special wedding perfume’
• Book your pre-wedding hair appointment
for cut and colour
• Choose a company for a gift list and make your selection
2 MONTHS
• Check that your fiancé has the rings and
his wedding clothes
• Collect your wedding dress
• Book your beauty treatments, including nails, facial, fake tan, waxing, eyebrow shape, false lashes
1 MONTH
• Double check that you have all the
original documentation for your wedding
• Make sure you have a suitable luggage
carrier for your wedding dress for
transportation in the hold of the plane
• Buy your sun protection, travel-sized
products etc
• Boost and fine tune your diet and
fitness plan
• Work out the seating plan for
your reception
• Discuss final checklist with your
wedding planner
• Check that your passport, visas,
inoculations and insurance are in place
TWO WEEKS
• Have your final hair appointment and ask
for tips and products. Take photographs
to show hairdressers at your destination
3 MONTHS
• Two days prior to departure have beauty
treatments including nails, facial, fake tan,
waxing, eyebrow shape, false lashes etc
• Order your travel cheques and currency
• Have your stag and hen party
On arrival at
your resort
• Meet the resort’s wedding co-ordinator to
check all documentation and set a day,
time and location for the ceremony
• Choose your flowers, cake and witnesses
• Order add-ons such as larger cake, more
wine, extra buttonholes, photographer,
music and transport to the ceremony
• Check that day passes and special
permissions for children have been
arranged for guests staying at other
hotels
• Arrange hairstylist, beauty appointments
and spa treatments
The day before
your wedding
• You will have a wedding rehearsal with
your wedding co-ordinator
• Have a spa massage to relax you for your
big day
• Have a top-up spray tan if needed
The big day
• Have your hair and make-up done at the
hotel
• Your wedding co-ordinator will check
everything else is in place
• Once the Marriage Officer arrives you will
receive a call to let you know it’s time to
say ‘I Do’
• Choose your honeymoon wardrobe
• Book appointments for fillers, permanent
hair removal etc.
2 MONTHS
• Buy your luggage
1 MONTH
• Confirm bookings
• Choose your perfume and water and
heatproof holiday make-up
2 WEEKS
• Order travellers cheques and currency
• Check your holiday insurance carefully
1 WEEK
• Book a pedicure, have a spray tan and leg
and bikini wax.
• Check in online
• Check airport transfers
Check your
documents!
You will need originals – or copies certified
by a notary or solicitor of the following. But
do check with your wedding tour operator
and/or wedding planner.
• 10 year passport, valid for at least
six months
• Birth certificates
• If you are divorced, a decree absolute
• If widowed, a death certificate and
previous marriage certificate
• An affidavit signed by a solicitor stating no
legal objection to the marriage
• If you have changed your name by deed
poll, ensure it is proof stamped and signed
by a solicitor.
Visit fco.gov.uk for further details, and do
check with your tour operator and wedding
planner before you leave for
your destination.
We asked dedicated
wedding planners to give
us a selection of their most
frequently asked questions...
Skin boosting
treatments for
special occasions
Every bride wants flawless skin on her wedding day
so she can have the confidence to be in the
spotlight all day long.
At Fiona and Marie Aesthetics we
specialise in skin boosting treatments to
ensure your skin is in tip top condition,
looking radiant and fresh for the big day
and way beyond. So the last thing you
have to worry about on your wedding day
is your skin.
Before
After
Before
After
Before
After
Soft lip shaping lifts out lines within the
body of the lip, so lips look a little more
rounded and more sensuous. Lips that look
natural and pass the kiss test!
For those needing a little more help, why
not think about a course of Restylane Vital?
This well tested skin boosting treatment
provides long lasting results, restoring skin
lustre and smoothing away niggling lines.
It improves skin elasticity and hydration
leaving your skin looking more toned and
feeling smoother.
Our specially tailored Super Facial
treatment provides the finishing touch. It
can help treat the signs of ageing such as
uneven skin tone as well as boost tired,
dull skin as a result of coping with the
rigours of daily life and the stresses of
wedding planning!
020 7487 3032
What ever your skin needs, we can help you!
Come and see us!
Fiona and Marie Aesthetics Ltd
121 Harley Street, London W1G 6AX
www.fionamarie.co.uk
Ask
the
planners!
We asked Lisa Burton of The Bridal Consultant
wedding planning service to answer your burning
questions on planning a wedding abroad.
Child friendly festivities
I’m getting married in Italy next year and out
of a party of 80 there are 20 children! I really
want to make sure the kids are entertained
so that their parents can enjoy the day and
relax, do you have any ideas how to entertain
the children? Angela, Hertfordshire
Hi Angela
Children add so much fun to a wedding
abroad. However there is always a fear about
how to entertain them so that they have a
good time but are not too disruptive. Here
are a few ideas: Hire a children’s entertainer,
juggler or clown, babysitter or even a
bouncing castle. However there should be
obvious caution –face painting and wedding
dresses don’t always mix well! Or organise
an activity table for the children so they
can be entertained during the meal and the
speeches, which is often the most boring
time for them! There are companies that
actually make activity packs for weddings
including: www.littletreasurespartybags.
co.uk or if you are feeling creative, make your
own. You could also consider setting up a
separate dining table for the kids so they can
eat with the other children. Most venues have
a separate children’s menu so they all eat the
same and parents don’t have to worry about
what they are eating! Don’t forget safety.
Discuss with the venue about any possible
steep drops or stairs at your venue – they
should be able to make safety suggestions to
avoid any mishaps. I hope this helps, I’m sure
you will have an amazing time and the kids
will also look back with fond memories!
Mother-in-law trouble!
My fiancé and I decided to get married
abroad because I don’t get on particularly
well with his mother and I am worried that
she will interfere too much with our plans
– she’s very overbearing! Unbelievably she
calls me constantly asking me what there
is to be done and checking up on me. I’m
getting so annoyed. I’m worried we’ll come
to blows! How can I keep her busy so she’ll
leave me alone? Jenny, Cornwall
Hi Jenny
So sorry to hear about your problem! It’s
hard being stuck in the middle trying to
keep your future hubby happy but at the
same time trying to keep an overbearing
mother-in-law onside. I would avoid a
confrontation at all costs as you need to
learn to live with your mother-in-law long
after the wedding - and you never know,
you may one day become friends! Try to
be the bigger person, remember after the
wedding you can go back to seeing each
other as much or as little as you like, and
your future hubby will love the fact you’ve
been able to deal with his mum and make
it work! Instead why not ask for her help
with a few things so that she feels needed
(because quite often that’s all it is) such
as the table plan and name cards - give
her the list of names and let her go with
it, though obviously you have final say;
finding out guest menu choices and
dietary requirements; helping organise the
photographs and gathering everyone for
the group shots that you want; Put her in
charge of a welcome group for the family
and guests on arrival at the wedding
destination and collecting everyone’s
contact number and be responsible for
calling anyone who may be running late
on the day!
Romantic dinner for two
I’m getting married in Barbados next April. It
will just be a small ceremony – just the two
of us, and I’d like to take my future wife for
a very special meal after the ceremony, but
outside our hotel, which is all inclusive. Do
you have any suggestions. Harry, Leicester
Hi Harry
I love Barbados it has a very special place
in my heart as it’s where I met my husband!
It’s a very romantic island and the beaches
and sunsets are amazing. However for the
ultimate romantic experience there is really
only one place to go – The Cliff in St James.
The setting is incredible, right beside the
water and the food and personal service
are unbeatable. www.thecliffbarbados.
com. For something less formal, don’t miss
The Waterfront Cafe in Bridgetown. It is
set on the side of the marina and the food
is fantastic with a mixed menu including
traditional Bajan dishes. Try and get a
table outside so you can savour the vibrant
atmosphere of the busy marina. www.
waterfrontcafe.com.bb. For a completely
relaxed and authentic Bajan experience
then I recommend the Boatyard www.
theboatyard.com. The setting and sunsets
there are amazing, there is always a tune
playing by Bob Marley or a local musician
to entertain and the cocktails are just
incredible.
Contact Lisa:
Do you have any questions for
Lisa Burton of The Bridal Consultant?
Email your questions to:
[email protected]
The Bridal Consultant is a full wedding
planning service that specialises in
exclusive destination weddings in New
York, Costa Blanca (Spain), Cyprus,
Santorini and Zakynthos (Greece).
www.thebridalconsultant.co.uk
Brides Abroad
HONEYMOONoffers!
You can jet off to some of the world’s most exciting and stunning honeymoon
destinations at significant discount if you book through Brides Abroad’s
exclusive travel service. Book it now on: 01937 585800.
Maldives
Park Hyatt Resort & Spa
7 nights B&B including seaplane transfers
Special Offer
RRP £4,295
£3,295
per couple
SAVE £1000 Per
Couple
Conrad Maldives - Rangali Island
7 nights B&B including seaplane transfers
Brides Abroad
Special Offer
RRP £3,125
£2,125
per couple
SAVE £1000 Per
Couple
Royal Island Resort & Spa
7 nights B&B including sea plane transfers.
Special Offer
RRP £4,291
BOOK IT NOW! CALL:
£2,995
per couple
SAVE £1296 Per
Couple
01937 585800
Croatia
Twin hotel honeymoon
Three nights at Hotel Adriana & Spa and
three nights at Hotel Iadera & Spa
Special Offer
RRP £972
£735
per couple for six nights
SAVE £232 Per
Couple
Hotel Adriana & Spa, Hvar
Three nights mini-moon B&B.
Special Offer
RRP £492
£375
per couple
SAVE £117 Per
Couple
Hotel Iadera & Spa, Zadar
3-night mini-moon.
Special Offer
£365
per couple
RRP £480
SAVE £115 Per
Couple
Kempinski Adriatic, Istria
2 nights B&B - (a third night is available for just £112)
Special Offer
RRP £224
Egypt
per couple
SAVE £59 Per
Couple
Sheraton Soma Bay
Stay 7 nights B&B in deluxe double room. Offer
expires Jan 31st 2012, excluding Christmas holidays.
Special Offer
RRP £517
BOOK IT NOW! CALL:
£165
£415
per person
SAVE £204 Per
Couple
01937 585800
Sri Lanka
Bentota Beach Resort & Spa
5 nights B&B (perfect to combine with
Maldives honeymoon)
Special Offer
£395
per couple
RRP £600
SAVE £205 Per
Couple
Pigeon Island Resort
14 nights plus optional wedding packages.
Special Offer
RRP £1,282
£995
per couple
SAVE £288 Per
Couple
Maldives
The Waldorf Astoria
7 nights in a water villa 12th May - 31st July
2012. Transfers to resort included by internal
domestic flight and speedboat to resort.
Special Offer
£3,665
per person
Price excluded taxes and flights from UK to Maldives.
BOOK IT NOW! CALL:
01937 585800
Porto Elounda Deluxe
Resort, Crete
7 nights B&B
Special Offer
£1,995
per couple
Available 17th September - October 31st 2011
RRP £3,037
SAVE £1042 Per
Couple
Aegialis Resort and Spa,
Amorgos Cyclades, Greek Islands
10 days HB in a deluxe double room
Special Offer
£1,695
per couple
Available 17th September - October 31st 2011
Greece
RRP £2,543
SAVE £848 Per
Couple
Aphrodite Hills Golf
Hotel & Spa
5 nights B&B in Double deluxe room.
Special Offer
RRP £1,035
£739
per couple
SAVE £296 Per
Couple
Annabelle Hotel, Pafos
10 nights B&B in deluxe double room.
Special Offer
£1,195
per couple
Available 1st October - 22nd November or
23rd February to 31st July.
RRP £1,550
SAVE £355 Per
Couple
Cyprus
BOOK IT NOW! CALL:
01937 585800
A DAY THAT IS
SPECIAL FOR
YOU IS ALWAYS
SPECIAL FOR US.
A wide variety of menus available • Red carpet treatment •
Champagne gratuities • Entertainment • Floral options and advice •
Limousine service • Beauty packages • Bridal & guest accommodation
• Complimentary consultation by our wedding planner
Do you live an InterContinental life?
Contact our Sales Department on +356 21377600,
e-mail [email protected]
or visit intercontinental.com/icmalta
In over 170 locations across the globe including HONG KONG • LONDON • NEW YORK • PARIS
images of your dreams from the city that never sleeps
Javan Liam
weddings around the globe
contact us for details
of our affordable packages
photography • harrogate • 01423 500357 • www.javanliam.co.uk
Where Wedding Day dreams really do come true
With stunning sea views, a truly romantic terrace with a cascading fountain and the opportunity to sail off into the sunset from our
perfectly-positioned jetty, the Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay offers a unique venue for your fairytale day. Your plans and dreams will
come true with the help of our experienced in-house wedding planner, who will look after your every need with meticulous precision.
As our wedding gift to you, the bride and groom will be given 3 complimentary nights with a minimum of 10 additional rooms booked.
Preferential rates will be given to guests attending the wedding.
Contact our Wedding Planner Patricia Falzon today!
Tel: +356 2370 2681 / +356 9940 2419
Corinthia Hotel, St. George’s Bay, Malta
Tel: +356 2137 4114 Email: [email protected]
corinthia.com
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Getting married abroad choose the
Paradise Bay Resort Hotel in Malta.
Surrounded by the clear waters of the
Mediterranean the resort is your ideal
setting for your unforgettable day.
Ceremonies are held by Neptunes
fountain, outdoor or indoor pool and the
beach area. All these venues have a back
drop of the sea.
We also offer inside venues for couples
how want to thigh the knot during the
winter months.
For more information: Tel: +356 2152 1166 Fax: +356 2152 1153
Email: [email protected] website: www.paradise-bay.com

brides-abroad-issue-6 - The Bridal Consultant

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